USA > California > Los Angeles County > Los Angeles > Historical and biographical record of Los Angeles and vicinity : containing a history of the city from its earliest settlement as a Spanish pueblo to the closing year of the nineteenth century ; also containing biographies of well known citizens of the past and present > Part 101
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127
tache, completes his facial adornment, his whole appearance giving the lie to the sixty-two years which he confesses.
"Mr. Newmark has been a resident of Los Angeles for many years, its continuity being broken, however, by sojourns in San Francisco and New York, while three years were spent abroad. It was in Los Angeles that he finished his studies which gave him admission to the bar, and it was here that he entered upon the practice of his profession. Thiscity, too, has been the scene of his most successful business ventures. He has done much to build up the commercial interests of Los Angeles-as much, probably, as any other single individual. He it was who helped to found the original chamber of commerce, and he is now at the head of that body, devoting himself to its welfare and foremost in its constant work for progress."
W. SCHEURER, M. D., has won more than national fame by his remarkable dis- coveries and methods in a field hitherto practically unoccupied. As his name implies, he is of German extraction, and his nativity took place in the city of Heidelberg. From a long line of German ancestors he doubtless inherited much of his keen love for study and deep re- search and the capacity for earnest, persevering labor.
When he was a child Dr. Scheurer came to the United States and his education was obtained in the schools of Missouri and Iowa. In the latter state he attended the Iowa Wesleyan University, where he graduated with the highest honors, be- ing the valedictorian of his class. He also at- tended and graduated from the Wesleyan German College and later took post-graduate courses in both institutions. When he had completed his studies in the university and German College he attended the American Medical College of St. Louis, and prior to his graduation in 1891 from the last-named institution, he acquired much useful knowledge of actual practice in the city hospitals and under the supervision of experi- enced physicians and surgeons. He continued to reside in St. Louis for some time, while laying the foundations of his future career as a physi- cian, and then, believing that the west afforded better opportunities to wide-awake young men,
he came to California, and locating in Santa Ana, built up a large and lucrative practice, at the same time serving in the capacity of health offi- cer there for five years.
Having devoted considerable attention to the subject of osteopathy, Dr. Scheurer established at Anaheim his successful school of osteopathy, which he carried on for some time with great success. This was the first institution of the kind on the Pacific coast, and to day there is not a city or town of great pretentions to importance in this land where there may not be found prac- titioners of this particular school or system. It is, indeed, remarkable that, whereas even the mean- ing of the word osteopathy was a few years ago unknown to all save a few professional men, it now often forms a subject of conversation in all circles of intelligent society. A few facts in re- gard to it, gained during a visit to Dr. Scheurer, will prove of interest to many.
Neuropathy, or neuropathic treatment, as taught and practiced by the doctor (its discov- erer) and those of his school, is the most nearly perfect manipulatory treatment thus far in use, and it will reach hundred of pathological condi- tions which do not yield to medical treatment. The nerves, muscles, arteries and veins are ma- nipulated in such a way as to bring about a nor- mal or healthy condition of the whole body. In order to get the highest results from this method of treatment the operator must have a perfect knowledge of anatomy, physiology and physical diagnosis. It is a well known fact that there is no pathological condition which nature does not try to remove. If, therefore, it can be discovered what nature is trying to accomplish the first step towards victory over disease has been made. In the neuropathic system all of the muscles of the body are scientifically exercised, while the nerves are at rest. A perfect circulation is established and thus nutrition and all of the functions of the bodily organs are materially improved. Many nervous and chronic diseases and diseases of women which ordinary medical treatment, or the application of electricity even, fails to benefit, ofttimes yield readily to neuropathic treatment. Osteopathy, which is employed as a valuable ad- junct of neuropathy, is the scientific method of treatment by the proper manipulation of the bones, tendons and ligaments of the body.
C
Photo by Schumacher, Los Angeles, Cal.
741
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In May, 1899, Dr. Scheurer established the Neuropathic Infirmary and School at Long Beach, and is the president of this institution, which is located near the northwest corner of Second and Pine streets. Only a few students are taken at a time in this college, and none are graduated until the course has been thoroughly mastered. All physicians are charged $100 for the course, which requires from three to six months, while students, other than physicians, pay $200, and it takes from sixteen to twenty- four months, according to the student's ability. Patients are treated in the infirmary, and every comfort and convenience is provided. Both male and female nurses and doctors are connected with the institution, all acting under the super- vision of our subject or his experienced assist- ants.
Ten years ago Dr. Scheurer married Miss Flora C. Northrop, of Missouri, and their pleas- ant residence in Long Beach is brightened by the presence of their three daughters, who are named respectively in the order of birth, Cora, Della and Jennie.
From the time that he arrived at his majority until the present time the doctor has been a faithful adherent of the Republican party. Fra- ternally he is a Mason, a Knight of the Macca- bees, and is identified with the Fraternal Aid Society. He is popular with all who know him, and has been steadily rising in the estimation of his brother physicians for the past decade.
AJOR GEORGE E. GARD. For more than thirty years Major Gard has been in- timately identified with the events of Los Angeles county, the civil and political history of which would be incomplete without the links which his life forms. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1843, a son of Dr. William V. H. and Lucretia (Williamson) Gard, natives of Ohio, the latter a highly educated lady and for some time an instructor in a private school at Middletow11, Ohio. He was a nephew of Dr. I. N. Gard, of Greenville, Ohio, a state senator, and a cousin of Hon. Tom Corwin.
After the death of his father Major Gard went to live with his grandfather, Garrett Williamson, in Hamilton, Ohio, where he graduated from the
high school. In 1859, in company with his uncle, he came overland to California, bringing a number of fine thoroughbred horses and cattle. He spent two years in San José, later engaged in mining in Mariposa county, afterward superin- tendent of the sawmills owned by Lovejoy & Gard, and subsequently was assistant superin- tendent of the mills of the Mariposa Mining Com- pany. His love for military service and his patriotic devotion to country led him to enlist in the Union army during the progress of the Civil war. He was a prime factor in the organization of Company H, Seventh California Infantry, in 1864, and by vote of the company received the appointment as first sergeant. The company served in Arizona and New Mexico until March, 1866, when it was mustered out at Drum Bar- racks, Los Angeles county.
The war ended, Major Gard engaged in busi- ness in Wilmington until 1868, when he estab- lished the first ice factory in Los Angeles, and afterward conducted the business for three years. Later, for one year, he was deputy in the county clerk's office, then was chief deputy under Charles E. Miles, county recorder, for two terms. For three years, from 1872 to 1875, he was employed by the city as a member of the city detective force. He served faithfully and well as United States marshal, under appointment by President Harrison, from 1890 to June 30, 1894. From 1875 to 1879 he was chief deputy recorder; in 1881 was appointed chief of the police of Los An- geles City; in 1882 was chosen deputy sheriff; and in 1884 was elected sheriff on the Republican ticket. As a criminal hunter he had few supe- riors. When others had spent months in fruit- less efforts to capture Evans and Sontag, the no- torious train robbers and murderers, he undertook the task and succeeded. Until the abolishment of the bureau, in 1895, he had charge of the Southern Pacific staff of detectives, including all lines from Ogden to San Francisco, and Portland to El Paso.
In 1886 Major Gard engaged in horticultural pursuits, locating and improving a fine orange farm in the Azusa valley. During the great boom, which spread over Southern California in 1887-88, he and some associates laid out the town site of Alosta, just south of the coast range foot hills in the great Azusa valley, a section of
36
742
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Los Angeles county, conceded to be one of the most picturesque, as well as the richest in natural advantages, of any portion of the state.
Politically Major Gard is a stanch Republican. In 1880 he served as chairman of the county cen- tral committee, and in 1888 was chairman of the sixth congressional district committee. He is a charter member of Bartlett Post No. 6, G. A. R., in which he has filled the various offices up to and including that of post commander. In 1890 he was elected department commander of the G. A. R., Department of California, which in- cluded the states of California, Nevada and the Hawaiian Islands. Prior to this time lie had served as junior aud senior vice department commander and also upon the staff of the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1869 he married Kate A. Hammell, who was born in Washington, D. C., a daughter of Dr. William and Barbara (Von Delier) Hammell, natives of Germany, but for years residents of Washington, where Dr. Hammell was a success- ful physician and the family physician of ex- President Fillmore. Major Gard and his wife have two children: William Brant and Georgetta Miles Gard.
HEODORE PARKER LUKENS. It was in the season of the year when the forests glow with the splendor of richly tinted leaves that the subject of this article came upon life's scenes. His birthplace was New Concord, Muskingum county, Ohio, October 6, 1848, the date of his birth. On both sides his ancestors were Quakers. His father, William Ellison Lukens, was born in Pennsylvania in 1807 and died in 1887, at the age of eighty years; he mar- ried Margaret Cooper, a native of Baltimore, Md., born December 27, 1817, and died in Rock Falls, Ill., in 1888. The family settled in Ster- ling, Ill., when our subject was a child of six years. His education was therefore obtained principally in the schools of that city. In boy- hood he became familiar with gardening and the nursery business, under the capable instruc- tion of his parents. At fifteen years of age he left school and gave his entire time to work, since which time he has, through his efforts and without any outside assistance, accumulated a competency.
While living in Sterling, March 1, 1871, Mr. Lukens married Miss Charlotte Dyer. Soon afterward he settled in Rock Falls, Ill., and em- barked in the nursery business. While a resi- dent of that town he took a warm interest in local affairs and for some time served as a member of the town council. Ill health after a few years obliged a change of climate, and, hearing much concerning the health-giving, sun-kissed land of California, he came hither. The year 1880 found him a resident of Pasadena. At first he engaged in ranching and also in the piping business. In 1884 he turned his attention to the real-estate business. January 7, 1891, he accepted a posi- tion as cashier of the Pasadena National Bank, which office he filled with marked ability, win- ning the confidence of the stockholders and de- positors. His keen acumen in all matters con- nected with finances caused him to win a place among the foremost financiers and baukers of the region. In 1893 he was chosen president of the bank, and in this capacity continued until March, 1897, when he resigned. In 1892 he was elected president of the Mutual Building and Loan Association of Pasadena, which responsible position he has since filled. The talents which he possesses fit him for trusts of an important character. Combined with mental vigor and alertness he has a high sense of honor and an un- wavering integrity of character.
Notwithstanding his intimate connection with important business interests Mr. Lukens has not neglected the duties of citizenship. He keeps abreast with the issues of the age and is thoroughly posted concerning momentous questions. For six years he was a member of the city council of Pasadena, during three of which he held the office of mayor. He has also served eight years as a trustee of the state normal schools. These pub- lic trusts committed to his care are evidences that he has ability which is recognized and appreciated by his fellow-citizens. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. At one time he served for nine months in the United States cavalry.
It is said that every man has his "hobby." Perhaps it may be said truthfully that if Mr. Lukens has a hobby it is his fondness for nature. He realizes that "To him who in the love of na-
743
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ture, holds communion with her visible forms, she speaks a various language." He is a close stu- dent of nature and finds recreation in frequent trips into the mountain country of the state. His fund of knowledge of the local fauna, forests, in- sects and mineralogy is limitless. He has made contributions on this subject to the periodicals of the day. He is also an amateur photographer and has taken pleasure in securing some un- usually fine views of mountain scenery.
ULIAN H. MELVILL, who is numbered among the leading business men of Los An- geles, is a worthy scion of an old and honored Massachusetts family. Indeed, his paternal great- grandfather was a member of the famous Boston "tea party," and subsequently was the first col- lector of the port of Boston. The next in line of descent, our subject's grandfather, possessed the same spirit of independence and patriotism as did his father when he decided to dispense with "the cup that cheers and not inebriates" for the sake of principle and country, and when the second struggle with Great Britain came on he enlisted and served in what became known as the war of 1812. The father of J. H. Melvill was for many years captain of boats plying the Mississippi river, and from 1851 until the beginning of the Civil war the family resided in Galena, Ill. The mother, who was a Miss Bates prior to her mar- riage, was a direct descendant of John Dwight, who played an important part in the colonial history of the Bay state.
Born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1846, Julian H. Melvill removed to Galena, Ill., when he was a child of five years. From his youth he has had many a battle to fight with poor health, and, owing to that fact, he did not attend school until he was in his fifteenth year. He received his early education mainly at the hands of private tutors, but in 1861 he had become strong enough to enter the Galena high school. The same year, however, the family removed to Davenport, Iowa, where he completed his high-school course and qualified himself thoroughly for the actual duties of life.
In 1868 the young man was given a position as chief deputy in the second United States in- ternal revenue district, and though he remained
in this responsible office for three years and han- dled a great many thousands of dollars every year, to his credit it may be said that so syste- matic were his methods that when he turned over his accounts to the government at the end of that period there was found a discrepancy of only one dollar. He had resigned his position in order to give his entire attention to the profession of his choice, for in the meantime he had devoted much of his time to the mastery of the law, and was admitted to practice in the district courts of Scott county, Iowa, March 6, 1871. On the 9th of October, 1872, he was admitted to practice before the supreme courts, and the same year he moved to Springfield, Mo., where he established himself in business. Handicapped seriously by failing health he went to the West Indies in 1874 and rested and traveled for about a year. Then, feeling much stronger, he went to San Francisco · in 1875, and the ensuing year saw him located on the sea-coast at Santa Monica. For the next eight years he was in the employ of the United States topographical engineering corps, and by his out-door life and the benefits derived from this sunny southland, permanently re-estab- lished his health.
In 1887 Mr. Melvill became financially inter- ested in the Los Angeles Abstract Company, but at the end of three years disposed of his stock and in 1893 furnished Ventura county, Cal., with a complete set of abstract books. In 1895 he as- sisted in the organization of the Title Guarantee & Trust Company, and was the treasurer and superintendent of the same for eighteen months. In April, 1897, he became the secretary and gen- eral manager of the Fidelity Abstract Company, which he was an influential factor in organizing, and to this now prosperous and highly useful and valuable enterprise he still gives his time and en- ergy. His long experience and legal knowledge serve him in good stead, and to his splendid man- agement and foresight must be attributed much of the success of the company.
By a former marriage Mr. Melvill had one daughter, Naomi, who was killed in a railroad wreck two years ago. She possessed exceptional ability as a teacher and was a talented young lady, loved by all who knew her. For some time prior to her untimely death she had held a posi- tion as assistant principal of the high school at
744
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bangor, Wis. The lady who now bears the homestead of his eighty acres of land, and has name of our subject was formerly Miss Etta Wil- lard, of Massachusetts.
Politically Mr. Melvill is active in the ranks of the Democratic party, and at present is serving as secretary of the central committee of this city. He is a member of the Foresters of America, holding the office of past chief ranger of Los An- geles Court No. 30. Upon several occasions he has been a delegate from his home lodge to the grand lodge of the state, and is very popular with the fraternity at large.
C ACOB RUDEL. What can be accomplished by a man having the requisite amount of en- ergy and determination is shown in the case of Jacob Rudel, of San Gabriel. With many disadvantages which the native-born citizen of the United States knows nothing about, he never- theless conquered all obstacles in his pathway, and rose to his present position of affluence and respect in the community-the secret of his suc- cess being industry, perseverance and strict rectitude of word and deed.
The parents of our subject, Henry and Mary (Hartman) Rudel, were natives of Frankfort-on- the Main, Germany. The father for years man- aged the old homestead, and there he died, in 1899, at the age of eighty-nine years. The mother departed this life at the age of seventy- six years.
Jacob Rudel was born in 1853, on the parental homestead adjacent to Frankfort. He remained on the farm until he was fourteen, when he went to the city and commenced learning the trade of a coppersmith. When nineteen years old he bade adieu to the home and friends of his youth and sailed for the United States. Arriving in New York City he followed his trade there until 1875, and then went to Sacramento, Cal., where he worked at his trade until 1881. He then came to Los Angeles, and here he was employed as a brazier for two seasons. Next he removed to the San Gabriel valley and commenced the arduous task of reducing some land to cultiva- tion. He purchased a tract of wild cactus and weed-covered land, and later, having succeeded so well with this property, he invested in another piece of similar size. He has made a beautiful
spared himself no labor or expense in the great undertaking. He has made it his special busi- ness of late years to manufacture wine from the excellent grapes produced in his thriving vine- yards, and finds a ready sale for his goods in the markets of the east and elsewhere.
Fifteen years ago Mr. Rudel married Eliza Vogel, who was born in Switzerland, where she passed nineteen years of her life. She then crossed the ocean, and at length found her way to the Pacific coast, where she met her future husband. Four children bless their union, name- ly: Millie, Edward, Walter and Anna Marie.
In his political views Mr. Rudel is not a partisan, but uses his ballot for the principle or nominee whom he believes to be the right one for the time and place. He is deeply concerned in local affairs relating to the growth and pros- perity of this community, and at the same time keeps thoroughly posted and in touch with the wider events effecting the nation.
C OHN W. SILER is one of the most enter- prising, progressive and liberal-minded men living in the vicinity of Downey. His in- terests are many and extensive, and managed from the reliable standpoint of devotion to prin- ciple and to the interests of the entire community. He is a director of the Los Nietos and Ranchito Walnut Growers' Association and a promoter and organizer of the walnut irrigating district, and for four years a director of the same. He is also a stockholder in the Los Nietos Valley Bank at Downey.
In the earlier years of his activity Mr. Siler followed an entirely different line of occupation, that of carpenter and builder and contractor. He is a native of Berkeley county, W. Va., where he was born September 7, 1842. His parents, Philip and Elizabeth (Robinson) Siler, were natives of Virginia. The Siler family is of German descent, and the maternal ancestors were Scotch-Irish. When four years of age John W. moved with his parents to Platte county, Mo., and was early taught the dignity and usefulness of an agricul- tural life. In the public schools of his county he received a fair education, and later had oppor- tunity to gain considerable business knowledge.
J. Over holger
745
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1868 he moved to Wyandotte county, Kans., where he engaged in farming for a number of years, but in 1880 returned to Missouri, where he continued to farm until 1887. At this time he became impressed with the larger opportunities of the far west, and decided to try his fortunes with the dwellers of Los Angeles county and set- tled at once on the ranch which has since been his home. During his residence in Kansas and Missouri he followed his trade of carpenter, build- er and contractor in connection with his farm work. He learned the trade from his father while living at home.
Mr. Siler was married in Kansas to Sarah E. Way, of Virginia, and of this union there have been five children, four of whom are now living: Lena, Zela, Margaret and William. Irvin is de- ceased. In politics Mr. Siler is associated with the Democratic party, although he entertains ex- ceedingly liberal views regarding the politics of the men appointed to office. He enjoys the confi- dence and esteem of all who know him, and is a man of whom his fellow-townsmen are proud.
ESSE IRVIN OVERHOLTZER. In a list of the rising young business men of Lords- burg the name of Mr. Overholtzer should be given. The success that he has attained proves his possession of more than ordinary ability and is also an indication of what may be expected from him in the future, with the ripening of his mental faculties and discriminating powers. A son of the late Samuel A. Overholtzer, he was born in San Joaquin county, Cal., July 20, 1877. When he was less than ten years of age he ac- companied his parents to Covina, where he grew to man's estate, meantime attending Centre school in this place. It was his father's ambi- tion that all the sons should have good advan- tages, in order that they might be fully prepared for the responsibilities of life, and he therefore was sent from the public school to Lordsburg College, where he was a student for four years, meantime devoting especial attention to the study of elocution. However, other branches were not neglected, but he received a well- rounded, thorough education.
For one year after leaving college Mr. Over- holtzer was proprietor and publisher of the Lords-
burg Sunbeam, which he founded and which was published weekly. At this writing he acts as local agent for the Hartford Fire Insurance Com- pany, and is also a part owner of the Lordsburg Water Company's plant. He has not allied himself with any political organization, but main- tains a strict independence in politics. When a boy he united with the German Baptist Church and is now serving as a deacon in the congrega- tion. In addition he is active in Sunday-school work and now holds the office of superintendent. His marriage took place August 9, 1897, and united him with Anna M. Ewing, an accom- plished young lady of South Haven, Mich. They have one daughter, Ruth.
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.