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 114

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 996

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 114

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).

D HARLES A. COFFMAN was born in Botetourt county, Va., October 25, 1833, and was a son of Samuel Coffman, a very old settler of Virginia. The Coffman family de- scended from the Pennsylvania Germans, and distinguished themselves in many lines of occu- pation. Charles A. lived in his native state until his sixteenth year, when he went to Illinois, and was for a time one of the guards in the state pen- itentiary, then located at Alton. In 1852 he came to California, and crossed the plains with a mule-team in a train of emigrants. The journey consumed the greater part of six months, and was full of daring, danger and adventure. After locating in Marysville, above Sacramento, he was for a time employed in the mines, and sub- sequently engaged in freighting from Marysville and Sacramento to Carson City and the Comstock mines in Nevada, and also into Idaho. In 1868 he sold out his freighting business, and in the fall of 1869 came to Los Angeles, but after a few years' residence there settled on the ranch at Ranchito, where he lived from 1877 until the time of his death, October 11, 1898, a singular circumstance being that his death occurred on the

corresponding day of the month when he and his family first arrived at Los Angeles. He was in- terred in Whittier cemetery, where his first wife is also buried.

Mr. Coffman first married Mary Elizabetlı Hampton, who was born in Bedford county, Va., August 30, 1839, and died in Los Angeles in 1870. Their four children were: Frank A., whose sketch follow this; Martha, now the wife of H. S. White, and living in the vicinity of Rivera; Edgar C., residing on the old Coffman homestead at Ran- chito; and Dr. Harry L., a graduate of the Jef- ferson Medical College of Philadelphia. Mr. Coffman was married a second time, July 22, 1891, his wife being Annie Lee Dorland, of Whittier, Cal., who survives him, and lives in Los Angeles.

Mr. Coffman's life was on the broad and ex- panding order, and embraced many avenues of activity, research and usefulness. His early op- portunities for acquiring an education were neces- sarily of a limited nature, and were confined mainly to attendance at the night schools of the early sub- scription schools. He later became a thought- ful reader,and was a keen and intelligent observer of events and people. Considering the limited facilities for getting around the country during part of his life, his travels were quite remarkable, and even more so during hislater years. In 1859, after having lived in California for several years, he returned to Virginia by the Panama route, and there married his first wife, and late in 1860, in company with his wife and one brother, again started for California over the plains in a train of emigrants, arriving at Marysville as on the pre- vious occasion, thus accomplishing twice that which, once done, is considered a herculean task to the average mortal.

In all matters pertaining to the upbuilding of his adopted county he took a foremost part, and his intelligent insight and sound common sense were appreciated in proportion as they were gladly offered, in the general common cause. In politics he was a member of the Democratic party, but he had no political aspirations, although often solicited to accept positions of trust and responsi- bility. This was in accord with his disposition and character, which was retiring and unassum- ing.

Fraternally he was associated with the Inde-

838

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Los Angeles. He was a member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, also one of the promoters and in- corporators of the Los Nietos and Ranchito Wal- nut Growers' Association, and as a director of the same he was greatly interested in all of its work- ings. In the loss of Mr. Coffman, Los Angeles county residents will ever feel a deep regret. A strong and influential pioneer, he left behind him an indelible impression for good in his communi- ty. He is remembered as a dominating and strong influence for the good and development of her best institutions and enterprises, and as a large-hearted noble man and friend.

- RANK A. COFFMAN is a native of Marys- ville, Cal., where he was born November 24, 1861. When nine years of age he came to Los Angeles county with his parents, and has since made his home in this locality. Mr. Coff- man is one of the most prominent and enterprising horticulturists in Rivera, and owns one hundred and five acres of land, partially under walnuts. He has made a scientific study of his chosen oc- cupation, and his researches have ever been ap- preciated by his contemporary horticulturists. For a time he served as state horticulturist in- spector of the Ranchito district, his father, Charles A. Coffman, having held the same position for three years previously. While he does not suffer any of the disadvantages that ofttimes hamper the careers of prominent men's sons, his life is nevertheless interestingly interwoven with that of his father, and has been necessarily influenced by a close proximity with his fine and substantial personality.

Mr. Coffman is a Democrat as far as political affiliations are concerned, but is not an office- seeker. He was educated in the Los Angeles high school, and is a man of more than ordinary erudition. He married Elizabeth A. Standefer, a native of Texas, and of this union there is one son, Marshall B.

Mr. Coffman is a member of the Los Nietos Valley Pioneers' Association, and was one of the first to be identified with this flourishing organi- zation. He is broad-minded and resourceful,

and has ever in mind the good of the community and the well-being of all who come within the range of his kindly nature.

DGAR C. COFFMAN. California is not only a laud of promise and a splendid field for Mr. Coffman's ability and achievement, but as the place of his birth, and the scene of his childhood days, it takes on an added interest. He was born in Sacramento, Cal., September 20, 1864, and is a son of Charles A. and Mary E. Coffman. When five years of age he moved with his parents to Los Angeles county, where he has since lived. He received a splendid home training, and diligently studied in the public schools. At an early age he displayed a predi- lection for horticultural pursuits, and to this occu- pation he has devoted his life. He has altogether one hundred and twenty acres of land, largely given over to the raising of walnuts.

Mr. Coffman married Edna E. Orr, of Santa Monica, Cal., and a daughter of James M. Orr. Of this union there is one daughter, Helen R. In politics Mr. Coffman entertains a preference for the Democratic party, but he has never had political aspirations, and holds liberal views re- garding the politics of the administration. He is a member of the Los Nietos and Ral- chito Walnut Growers' Association and the Los Nietos Valley Pioneers' Association. He is also connected with the Order of Foresters at Rivera.

Mr. Coffman is known and esteemed for his many excellent traits of mind, character and at- tainment, and for the unswerving interest so often apparent when called upon to associate himself with the enterprises or institutions for the im- provement of the community in which he lives.

REDERICK JAMES WOODBURY. The subject of this article was born near Farni- ington, Ontario county, N. Y., October 28, 1834, a son of Greenleaf M. and Frances (Patter- son) Woodbury. His father, a native of Ver- mont, born July 12, 1811, was taken by his parents in childhood to New Hampshire, and there grew to manhood, returning when twenty- one to the scenes of his birth and there engaged in milling and merchandising. Later he removed

839

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

to New York, and carried on a mercantile busi- ness in Spencerport. The stirring events in the settlement of the Mississippi valley aroused his ambition and in 1840 he and his family settled in Peoria county, Ill. With the pioneer spirit he pressed further westward and in 1854 sought the rich agricultural regions of Iowa, settling in Marshalltown, where he engaged in the banking business. He died in that city when sixty-three years of age.

The marriage of Greenleaf Woodbury united him with Miss Patterson, who was born in Broome county, N. Y., May 18, 1811. They became the parents of three children. Frederick James re- ceived a common-school education and also stud- ied for one term in the State University of Illinois. At the age of twenty-two he married Martha Wallin, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of James Wallin. Four children were born of their union, three of whom are living, namely: Frank, who is married and has four children; Georgi- ana, also married and the mother of four children; and George, who resides with his parents.

For some time Mr. Woodbury followed milling at Marshalltown, Iowa, and also had charge of a mill in Hardin county, that state. He was with his father, who built three flouring mills on the Iowa river. While he was identifying him- self with the activities of the business world hos- tilities began between the north and south, and his patriotism was set aflame for his country. In 1862 he enlisted a company of volunteers, of whom he was chosen captain. This band of soldiers is known in history as Company K, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. They spent their first winter of army service in southwest Mis- souri. In the siege of Vicksburg Captain Wood- bury was slightly wounded. He remained at the front, with the exception of a brief absence while on a sick furlough, until he was honorably dis- charged in the autumn of 1864, about one hun- dred miles from New Orleans. He was one of Iowa's brave soldiers, and one of the large num- ber of volunteers whom that state gave to the Union, some of whom lie buried in southern bat- tlefields, but many returned to enjoy, in after years, the fruits of their sacrifices for their coun- try. Captain Woodbury served under Colonel Dewey, who died shortly after entering the serv- ice. The command was then given to Lieutenant-

Colonel Kinsman, who was killed while leading a charge at Black River bridge near Vicksburg.

When Captain Woodbury was enrolling volun- teers for his company a neighbor's dog followed him from place to place. The dog was a very sagacious animal, displaying an instinct that seemed at times to reach intelligence. It accom- panied the company to the front. In every bat- tle it was not far away and as soon as the battle ended he would seek out Company K. When the company returned home the members cast lots for the animal and he was won by a Mar- shalltown veteran, in whose home "Doc" spent his remaining days. While the dog is mentioned thirty-three times in the Bible and not once favor- ably, here, thousands of years afterwards, is one dog whose record shall go down the highway of generations as having been imbued with some- thing akin to patriotism.

At the close of the war Captain Woodbury re- turned to Marshalltown. As his father had dis- posed of his various milling interests, he entered the hardware business, which he followed for several years. Later he resumed milling, which he followed until 1882. He then disposed of his property in Iowa, and, like many others, wisely planted himself and family in Southern Califor- nia, finding a congenial home four miles from Pasadena. He set out one hundred and fifty acres to oranges and lemons and also opened up a large vineyard. During the historic boom, when land sold at fabulous prices, he disposed of his property and retired from the fruit business. He now resides in a magnificent home on Orange Grove avenue, which he erected in 1895. To see this beautiful home is to admire it and to come in contact with its inmates is to realize anew the pleasure of association with people of culture and liberal hospitality.

The first presidential vote cast by Captain Woodbury was for Gen. John C. Fremont. He is a charter member of John F. Godfrey Post No. 93, G. A. R., and also of the Southern Cali- fornia Veterans' Association. In both of these organizations he has held office, but he refuses positions of a political nature. He has served as a director of the Pasadena National Bank. Dur- ing the years of his residence in this garden spot he has seen, as it were, "the desert bloom as the rose," and the waste places transformed as if by

840

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

magic into lovely homesteads. He has seen thou- sands of homes built, occupied by cultured, con- siderate and honored citizens. As the years have rolled by he has not only seen accretions all around, but moving among men and women of high character he is honored and respected for his many virtues, for his manly qualities and for his determination in overcoming obstacles and attain- ing success.

ERBERT E. CHESEBRO. Among the prominent and successful business men of Sonthern California who by their own efforts have attained a position of influence in the work- ing world, is Mr. Chesebro, of Covina, well known as the manager and secretary of the Covina Fruit Exchange, and of the Covina Citrus Association. He was born May 7, 1864, in Oswego, N. Y., a son of Elmanson and Mary (Sweet) Chesebro, both natives of the Empire state and of English descent.

Practically thrown upon his own resources when a boy of twelve years of age, he began work in Oswego, where he was employed as a clerk in different stores, serving in that capacity principally in two establishments. Going to Chi- cago, Ill., in 1880 he was for a while clerk of the superior court. Preferring life in the east, he accepted a position in New York City with Henry and Nathan Russell & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in crockery and glassware, remaining with that firm six years. He worked for them both in the store and on the road as a commer- cial salesman, while in the store having charge of the wholesale department. In the year 1887 Mr. Chesebro came from New York City to Los Angeles, Cal., where he was engaged in the real- estate business for a short time. Coming to Co- vina in 1889 he was for six years the lessee of the Hollenbeck rauch of three thousand acres of land, which was devoted principally to the raising of stock and grain. Purchasing, in the meantime, twenty acres of land about two miles from Co- vina he started a fruit ranch of his own, setting ont ten acres of orange trees and ten acres of lemon trees, and is now residing there with his family.

A man of energetic activity and good execu- tive ability, Mr. Chesebro has been a conspicuous factor in establishing aud supporting enterprises

of benefit to the fruit grower, having been one of the projectors of the Covina Citrus Association, which was organized in 1895, and of which he has since been secretary and manager, as well as one of the directors; and of the Covina Fruit Ex- change, organized in 1898, of which he has also been manager and secretary until the present time and is also a director. For a number of years he has been one of the directorate of the Covina Irrigating Company, which he is now serving as president, this being his third year in that office. He is also officially connected with the Southern California Fruit Exchange, of Los Angeles, representing the Covina Fruit Exchange and the Covina Citrus Association on its execu- tive board. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, a member of the Covina Lodge, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

July 8, 1885, Mr. Chesebro married Lottie L. Wilder, of Oswego, N. Y., and they have three children: Herbert W., Myra L. and Lucile M.

DWARD E. POLLARD has been a resident of the upper San Gabriel valley since 1881, having come from Texas to California in that year. In 1889 he purchased fourteen acres of fruit land, on which he now resides. The tract was at the time in almost a primeval con- dition of nature, yet his keen judgment caused him to put his faith in the investment, and sub- sequent events have justified his discernment and foresight. The entire fourteen acres are now un- der cultivation to citrus fruits, in the raising of which Mr. Pollard has gained a practical and helpful experience. In other matters connected with horticulture he is also interested. He is the Contract Water Company's representative on the San Gabriel River Water committee. He as- sisted in the organization of the Contract Water Company and for several years served as its president. For a time he also held the position of deputy county sheriff.

In Fannin county, Tex., Mr. Pollard was born February 14, 1863, a son of Richard and Melvina (Hart) Pollard, natives respectively of South Carolina and Louisiana, the former now deceased, and the latter living in Texas. The paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. The

841

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

common schools of his native county supplied Mr. Pollard with a fair education. At an early age, hearing much of the opportunities afforded by California, he resolved to come to this state, and when only eighteen years of age he settled in the valley that he is proud to call his home. Fraternally he is connected with the lodge of Odd Fellows at Azusa. His political opinions are de- cidedly Democratic in tone. He was reared in the faith of this party and has never seen any reason to change his ideas, which were also the principles upheld by his forefathers. His mar- riage united him with Miss Hattie E. Penney, of Los Angeles, Cal., and they are the parents of five children, Helen A., Harold E., Ruth, Leroy and Irene.

DMUND W. BACON. From a field of wav- ing barley to orange trees groaning beneath their luscious burden is a happy transition witnessed by many of the pioneers of bright, sun- glinted California. Such has been the experience of Edmund W. Bacon, whose kindly interest in the soil and its producing possibilities has been justified after years of careful fostering and ar- duous endeavor to that end.

Born in Norfolk, Ontario, August 22, 1864, he is a son of George and Emaline (Sheldon) Bacon, natives of Canada. Thus it would seem that ex- tremes were to be meted out to our subject, and first of all a decided change of climate. His early training, however, fitted him for his future work as a horticulturist, for he was reared on his fath- er's farm in Norfolk county, and surrounded by the influences calculated to instill a love for all things that grow and are of use to man and ani- mals. He received the education of the public schools of Canada, supplemented by a good deal of keen observation while going around the coun- try, and a decided predilection for good books and the various avenues for acquiring information. In the fall of 1887 he started out in the world for himself and went to Saginaw, Mich., where for three years he was employed in the engineering department of the Flint & Pere Marquette Rail- road Company. In 1891 he came to East Whit- tier, Cal., and entered the employ of the East Whittier Land and Water Company. After serv- ing in that capacity for eight years he was ap- pointed, in 1899, superintendent of the company, geant, and took part in some important battles.

and is practically the manager of the concern at the present time. His rise in this important position is due to the satisfactory results of his capable management and to his understanding of a business which is the outgrowth of the peculiar climatic and soil conditions of this part of his adopted country.

Mr. Bacon married Anna Irvine, of Saginaw, Mich., and a native of Scotland. They have one child, Ruth E. While Mr. Bacon is in sympathy with Democratic principles, he is independent in local affairs, and entertains liberal ideas regard- ing all matters of public interest. He is not an office seeker. He is associated with the Fraternal Aid and the Fraternal Brotherhood at Whittier.

AMES J. WEST. In the days before Glen- dora had sprung into existence, Mr. West came to the present site of the town, and from that time to this he has been identified with its growth and development, particularly with the growth of its horticultural interests. The land upon which he settled was in a primi- tive condition. No attempt had been made to improve it, or to test its adaptiveness to grain or fruit, and its improvement is entirely the result of his ownenergy and industry. In his home ranch he has thirty-seven and one-half acres of land, most of which is under cultivation to oranges and lemons. Aside from the management of his ranch he has other interests. He is a member of the Glendora-Azusa Water Company and the Glen- dora Citrus Association. The educational affairs of Glendora have received his earnest attention, and at one time he was president of the board of trustees of the public schools, with which he is still identified actively.

In Trumbull county, Ohio, Mr. West was born December 28, 1852, a son of John P. and Eliza- beth (Harshman) West, natives respectively of Ireland and Pennsylvania. His father moved from Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1856, to Henry county, Iowa, where he embarked in agriculture on a large scale. His ability was such that he was frequently chosen to occupy positions of honor. For several terms he served in the Iowa house of representatives. During the Civil war he spent three years in the Union army as a ser-

842

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1875, accompanied by his family, he came to California and settled at Compton, where he re- sided for a number of years. He was a member of the constitutional convention that framed the California state constitution. He was a member of the first state senate of California that con- vened after the adoption of the present constitu- tion. For some time he was justice of the peace at Compton. Subsequently he resided for some years at Montesano, Wash., but afterward re- turned to California. His last days were spent in Glendora, where he died June 11, 1891. His widow survives him, and resides with a daughter in Los Angeles. Nine of his children survive, namely: James J .; Thomas A., of Compton; John Charley, of Glendora; Frank E., of Los Angeles; Ed. V., of Glendora; Ella, now Mrs. Edward Goodell, of Montesano, Wash .; Mabel, now Mrs. Frank Curtiss, of Los Angeles; Kate G., now Mrs. Edwin Mace, of Azusa, Cal .; and Lizzie, now Mrs. Lamont L. Washburn, of Los Angeles.

As a boy our subject lived in Henry county, Iowa. Hiseducation was received principally in Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. When a young man he taught school in Iowa. In 1875 he accompanied the family to California, and three years later settled on his present ranch at Glendora. Politically he is in- dependent, voting for the men whom he consid- ers best qualified to represent the people. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Glendora and a contributor to its maintenance. By his first wife he has one son, Lloyd Albion West, of Glendora. September 9, 1885, he mar- ried Miss Lou E. Dougherty, of Glendora, by whom he has four children: Oscar Roy, Ada M., Lester M. and Lora L.

ATTHEW TEED. Could the history of Matthew Teed be written in full it would prove extremely interesting to everyone, whether personally acquainted with this sterling pioneer citizen of Los Angeles or no, as it would record and emphasize the vast changes which have come to the great west within less than half a century, and, indeed, within a few years. As the narrative proceeded, the terrible struggles which were the common experiences of the fron-

tiersman, the dreadful risks and dangers which he took at every step, and the heroism and forti- tude with which he accepted the vicissitudes of fortune, would stand out plainly, and command the admiration of all. Even an outline of his career contains much of suggestion, and, in imagination, the reader can draw the picture of the past and contrast it with the blessings of to- day.

Matthew Teed, the youngest of seven brothers and sisters, was born in Devonshire, England, April 17, 1828. On his father's farm, near the village of Exeter, he became strong and robust, well equipped for the great tasks which were be- fore him. After completing a course of study in the local schools he served a five years' appren- ticeship to the carpenter's trade. Soon after reaching his majority he sailed for the United States, and worked at his trade in New York City one summer, then going to Adair, Mich., where he spent about four years.

Having learned much of the gold excitement on the Pacific slope, Mr. Teed decided to seek his fortune here, and made the journey to San Fran- cisco by way of Nicaragua canal. Then he proceeded to Stockton, and soon afterwards went to the gold fields of Mariposa county. As he did not succeed in his quest in what he deemed a reasonable length of time, he returned to Stock- ton, where he found employment at his trade un- til 1858. By that time he wished to return to a more civilized country, and, buying a ticket for the east at San Francisco, he started for home. Only three hours out from the Golden Gate the shaft of the ship was disabled, and, being landed, Mr. Teed and eight other men fitted up a pack- train at Sau José and started overland through Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico. Pen cannot describe the sufferings of the little party, as for more than four months they plodded across the desert regions of this truly "arid zone." Many a time they almost perished for water, sometimes having to traverse the burning sands for forty miles ere they reached the wel- come draught, and, after hardships nearly unen- durable, six men and seven of their mules. arrived at Las Vegas, more dead than alive. Two of their poor comrades had perished on the journey, and twenty of their mules had met a similar fate.

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.

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 114

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918 Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 996

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 996