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 119
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Previous to coming west Mr. Stewart's life was an interesting one, and through its changefulness he was enabled to acquire much of the fund of general information now at his command, as well as to absorb for future reference the most practi- cal means of conducting business. The family of which he is a member is of Scotch extraction. He was born in East Tennessee May 27, 1828, and is a son of William and Cecelia (Hayes) Stewart, natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. The paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and William Stewart fought bravely in the war of 1812.
James Stewart was reared to an agricultural life, and his early opportunities for acquiring an education were indeed meager, and were con- fined to the subscription schools. He was a keen observer, however, and supplemented his study during the winter terms at school by close appli- cation to reading in various lines. In 1852 he married Lucy A. Dougherty, of Tennessee. To them were born eight children, of whom the fol- lowing survive: David O., at Atlanta, Ga .; Fran- cis E., in Los Angeles, Cal .; John J., also in Los Angeles; and Mrs. Daniel W. Standlee, of Los Nietos.
In 1848 Mr. Stewart moved his family from Tennessee to Texas, in company with a few others of like mind. They traveled over the plains
with mule and horse-teams and wagons, and were several weeks en route. They settled in Anderson county, Tex., where for twenty years they engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock- raising. In this state, also, Mr. Stewart added somewhat to his income by teaching school dur- ing the winter terms.
In 1863 he eulisted in General Sibley's old and famous brigade, C. S. A., and operated from the Brazos river, in Texas, to the Red river, in Lou- isiana, and also carried their operations into the adjoining territories. He was in the battles at Mansfield, Pleasant Hill and Yellow Bayou, La., on the Mississippi river, besides participating in many minor skirmishes.
Before the engagement at Mansfield the Confed- erate forces had been retreating from the enemy for several days, skirmishing more or less each day. At Mansfield they met with re-enforcements and fought a closely contested battle with the oppos- ing forces. The next day, at Pleasant Hill, they met with a strong re-enforcement and defeated the enemy, who retreated back toward their gun- boats, leaving the most of their dead and wounded on the battleground. Doctors and sergeants were left to care for the wounded, who were made as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. After a hard day's fighting Mr. Stewart and a few others went to the place where they were caring for the wounded, and offered to assist in any way possible, for which offer they were thanked very kindly. The doctors told the sol- diers they were short of fuel and water, and these they furnished to the best of their ability. The night was very dark, and, as they went on their errand of mercy, they stumbled over several dead bodies. It has always been a source of pleasure to Mr. Stewart that he had this opportunity to assist the wounded of the enemy's forces, and that he did all he could, just as willingly as he would have done it for his comrades in arms.
After the cessation of hostilities Mr. Stewart returned to his farm in Texas, and continued his farming until 1869, when he began the long and memorable journey across the plains to Califor- nia. Himself and family were of a party of emi- grants, about forty in number, and their means of locomotion was by mule, horse and ox-teams and covered wagons. Of the three kinds of ani- mals represented, the mules and oxen best stood
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the trials of the journey. They were six months on the way, and their course was beset with many and increasing dangers, from fording rivers and streams to scarcity of water and the fear of In- dian attacks. To avoid the latter they traveled a great part of the way during the night. At the end of the journey they found themselves on the ground upon which their ranch is now located. That the conditions were very primitive was a natural consequence, and Mr. Stewart at once set to work to prepare the soil for the reception of seed, and to set out trees that fruit might be the result. In addition, he now raises walnuts and oranges, citrus and deciduous fruits, and, in fact, almost every kind of fruit that comes from the soil in his adopted state is given an opportunity to do its best upon his finely managed ranch. He is the owner also of real estate at Long Beach and Santa Monica.
Mr. Stewart is a member of the Democratic party, and interested in all of its undertakings. With his family he is a member of the Baptist Church and a trustee in the same. Fraternally he is associated with the Masonic order at Down- ey. He is also a member of the Los Nietos and Ranchito Walnut Growers' Association. His busy and honorable life has contributed to the moral and material growth of Downey and vicinity, and he is esteemed for the traits of mind and charac- ter that have brought him hosts of friends and substantial prosperity.
M AURICE KREMER. Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Los Angeles is Mr. Kremer. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. He was born January 14, 1824, in Frauenberg, Lorraine, a son of Mordecai and Rachel (Lazard) Kremer, both natives of Lorraine, Germany. By occupation the father was a merchant. The boyhood and youtlı of our subject were passed in his native town until he was twenty years of age, when he emigrated to the United States, landing in New Orleans on the 14th of December, 1844.
Before coming to Los Angeles he lived for some time in New Orleans, St. Louis and Sacramento, and was engaged in mercantile business in those
cities, and after leaving here continued in that business till 1880, being in partnership at differ- ent times with S. Lazard, H. Newmark and N. Jacoby. At this writing he is senior member of the insurance firm of Kremer, Campbell & Co., with offices in the Temple block.
In 1856 Mr. Kremer was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Newmark, a daughter of Joseph Newmark, a native of West Prussia, who came to America at the age of twenty-five years, arriving in New York in March, 1824. In 1851 Mr. Newmark came to California and made his home in San Francisco until 1854, when he re- moved with his family to Los Angeles, making this city his home until his death, which occurred October 19, 1881. Here he was interested in the grocery and provision trade, his place of business being at the corner of Main and Requena streets, where the United States hotel now stands. He had five children, namely: Mrs. M. Kremer; Myer J. Newmark; Mrs. H. Newmark; Mrs. S. Lazard; and Mrs. Eugene Meyer, of New York. The children born to our subject and his wife are: Rachel, wife of P. Lazarus, who is engaged in the wholesale stationery business; Emily, wife of Ed Germain, a wine and liquor dealer; Eda, wife of James Hellman, a hardware merchant; Agnes, Fred and Abraham.
Mr. Kremer is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and belongs to the Order of Bnai Berith and Temple of Bnai Berith. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and he has taken quite a11 active and prominent part in public affairs, serving as a member of the board of supervisors from 1865 to 1867. He was also a member of the board of education from 1866 to 1875, was its president one or two terms and served on various committees, including the special committee to build the first school house of any pretensions in this city-the one which was built in 1872 on Sand or California street. From 1860 to 1865 he served the people as county treasurer, being elected by the Democratic party to that office, and gave general satisfaction. After serving ac- ceptably as supervisor he was elected to the office of county tax collector, also served at the same time as city tax collector, serving out an unex- pired term. From 1869 to 1875 he served as clerk of the city council. In all the twenty years of holding office he rendered honorable and effi-
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cient service to the people, who valued him as an honest official and a highly esteemed citizen. It is a noteworthy fact that he has never been de- feated for an office to which he was nominated. As a progressive and public-spirited citizen he takes a commendable interest in everything cal- culated to advance the best interests of his city, county or state. He is well known and is held in high regard in the community where he has so long made his home.
3 G. B. HAYNES. Of the thousands who have been drawn from their associations in , the more thickly settled east, by the luxu- riant and inexhaustible resources of this far west- ern clime, and have devoted their latter-day and wisely directed energies to its development and broadening, none is held in higher esteem than J. G. B. Haynes. Coming to California from Texas in 1857, his memory is prolific of varied and startling changes, for much may be accom- plished in forty-three years, even under less promising circumstances. From the spring of 1857 until the fall of 1864 he became identified with the pioneer days of El Monte, and then re- moved to Downey, where he became interested in general agriculture. In 1875 he took up his permanent location in Rivera. Hisranch is well improved and a source of pride to the owner, and a credit to the locality in which it is sit- uated.
A somewhat eventful life preceded Mr. Haynes determination to settle in the west. A native of White county, Ill., he was born September 19, 1819, and is a son of Jolin and Polly (Green) Haynes, the latter a niece of General Green, of Revolutionary fame. John Haynes was a re- markable man from more than one standpoint, and was a son of the Rev. James Haynes, of Ger- man descent, and a minister in the Baptist Church. He was born in Virginia, and had a wonderful constitution and retained possession of his faculties up to an unusual age. The week before he died he rode thirty miles on horseback, and at his death was one hundred and six years old. His son, John, was commissioned captain during the war of 1812, and fought with General Jackson at New Orleans. While Illinois was still a territory he became identified with
the primitive conditions there, and attained to considerable prominence in the scattered com- munity. He served as supervisor of White coun- ty. During the Blackhawk war he raised his own company and helped to capture a famous Indian chieftain. The parents died in White county, and of their eleven children all have be- come the heads of families, one sister, Mrs. Nancy G. Griffith, living in Los Angeles. The second oldest sister married Charles Polk, a brother of James K. Polk, at one time president of the United States.
J. G. B. Haynes was reared to agricultural pursuits in Illinois, and, after an education ac- quired in the subscription schools, turned his ed- ucation to practical account, and for some time taught school near Bellville. He later removed to Louisiana, where he learned the millwright's trade, and afterward in Texas followed his former occupation of school-teaching in Plano. He was twice married, his first wife being Ortha A. Car- roll, a native of Alabama, and a niece of old General Carroll, who fought with such courage and distinction at the battle of New Orleans. She was a daughter of Parson Carroll, president of the Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas confer- ence and a man of prominence and wealth. Mrs. Haynes later died in Texas, leaving three chil- dren, who are since deceased. Mr. Haynes' second marriage was with Mrs. Nancy King, née Murphy, and of her first union there were three children: James, John and Eli, of whom John is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Haynes were born three children, all of whom attained maturity, but are now deceased, namely: Mary, who be- came the wife of George Bullock, and left six children; Nathan H. and Sarah Ellen.
In early life Mr. Haynes was a fluent speaker and often exercised his powers in the cause of right and justice. Much of his life has been tinged with an element of romance and adven- ture. In the fall and winter of 1839-40 he was one of a party of sixteen prospectors who went from Illinois to Oregon, or rather started out with the intention of settling there. They ob- tained their papers of permit from Thomas Bell- ton, who at the time was governor of Missouri. That they did not arrive at their destination was owing to circumstances over which they had no control. They started sixteen in number, each
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with a saddle mule and pack mule. While on the journey they met Kit Carson and Negro George, who were trapping, and they ranched six weeks together. After leaving their new- found friends they were taken prisoners three different times, the last to detain them compul- sorily being a band of Chippewa Indians, under whose care they were retained for sixteen days. To the credit of the Indians be it said, that they treated their captives in a very hospitable and kindly manner, and that they suffered none of the discomforts usually associated with adven- tures of the kind. The chief offered to adopt the whole sixteen, but they declined the honor, having other plans for the future in view. The travelers upon being released decided that they had had enough of the west and returned to the peaceful conditions in Illinois. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Haynes is in a position to appre- ciate more than many, the benign, though un- eventful, life of the ranch dwellers in this sun- glinted nook of the world. His early experi- ences in the world were thrilling, and, could they be compiled, would form an interesting volume.
RRAY W. LONGDEN. The public of Los Angeles county well knew that in placing its interests in the hands of O. W. Longden 110 mistake was being made, for he has proved himself to be thoroughly devoted to the welfare of his county and state, and an earnest and sin- cere believer in the great future unfolding before ns. He is the possessor of a liberal education and wide business experience, and is gifted by nature with a keenness of mind which enables him to quickly grasp the difficulties of any situa- tion, and to solve such problems in a sensible manner.
Mr. Longden, who, as is generally known, has served as one of the supervisors of Los Angeles county for the past year and a-half, acquitting himself with honor, is of English extraction and possesses the energy and aggressiveness of the Anglo-Saxon race in a marked degree. He is the only son of Benjamin and Rhoda J. (Leonard) Longden, who were natives of England and New England (Connecticut) respectively. Mrs. Long- den's father was a mere child when the war of 1812 came on, but he was none the less patriotic,
and played his small part on behalf of the colo- nies by acting as a "powder boy" to the soldiers. His son, Moses G. Leonard, whose name is prom- inent in the annals of California, built the first frame structure in the city of San Francisco. Benjamin Longden came to the United States in 1835, and for a number of years was actively and successfully engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes and in other business enterprises in New England. In his early manhood he was well known as an educator, as he was connected with various schools and academies as a teacher.
O. W. Longden, whose birth took place in Windham county, Conn., in 1861, was deprived by death of his loving mother when he was six years of age and was but sixteen when his father was summoned to the silent land. He was grad- uated in the high school at Putnam when about eighteen years of age, and, as his home ties were broken, he quite naturally determined to see something of the world before choosing his per- manent home and business. Accordingly he went to Venezuela, South America, where he accepted a position with E. P. Cutler & Co., a Boston firm, who were raising a man-of-war, The Boli- ver, which had been sunk in the harbor of Puerto Cabello. Upon his return to the states he made his home in Mobile, Ala., for a year, and subse- quently taught school in Mississippi for one year, following this by a winter in Florida and a sum- mer visit to New England friends. He then started for San Francisco by the old Panama route, arriving at his destination in November, 1882. Having learned telegraphy he spent the ensuing four years as an operator on the Southern Pacific Railroad at various points in California and Arizona.
Fourteen years ago Mr. Longden located in San Gabriel, where for a number of years he was actively engaged in a mercantile business, and where he still has financial interests. His ster- ling integrity of character and practical methods of dealing with the peculiar obstacles which con- front the people of Southern California have con- duced to make his opinions of weight in their es- timation. The confidence which is placed in him has been manifested on many occasions and he has been called upon to officiate in numerous positions of responsibility in the different places where he has dwelt for any length of time.
a.c. Hazzard
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Among these offices were those of postmaster, justice of the peace and school trustee, in all of which he won the commendation of everyone concerned. He has been affiliated with the Re- publican party since becoming a voter, and in the autumn of 1898 he was nominated and elected as a supervisor of Los Angeles county. He is in favor of progressive measures along all lines and contributes his full share towards the pro- motion of the public welfare. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has passed all the chairs in his home lodge.
In 1884 Mr. Longden married Mercedes C. Coronel, who died in June, 1890. Subsequently he chose Miss Emma King, of San Bernardino, Cal., for a wife, and she presides with dignity over their pleasant and attractive home at San Gabriel. They have a host of friends and are justly popular with all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
A UGUSTUS C. HAZZARD has been associ- ated with the highest moral, intellectual and material growth of several sections of California. Coming out of the east in the dawn of the recognized possibilities of his adopted country, he has shared its vicissitudes and smoothed the way for many who were less courageous than himself.
Born in Detroit, Mich., April 20, 1825, he is of English descent, and a son of William and Casandra (Coan) Hazzard. William Hazzard, who belonged to the old and influential Hazzard family of Rhode Island, was born in that state, but was reared in Vermont. He took up his abode in Michigan in 1817, and became one of the earliest settlers of Detroit. His maternal grandfather, Augustus Coan, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served his country with courage and fidelity. When five years of age Augustus Hazzard was taken by the family to St. Joseph county, Mich., where, upon his father's farm, he was surrounded with particularly refining and elevating influences, and early taught the dignity and usefulness of an agricultural life. And into his expanding mind was instilled a love for bird and beast, blossoming flower and waving grain, and all that soil and sun and rain combine to produce for man's use and delight. With an
intuitive desire to make the most of his opportu- nities he studied diligently at the district schools, and at Albion College, in Albion, Mich. Sub- sequently, for seven years, he was engaged in teaching in the schools of Michigan.
It is not strange that Mr. Hazzard should see in the ministry an outlet for a fine and disinter- ested enthusiasm. He consequently applied him- self with diligence and began to preach in 1854. He was ordained in the Methodist Episcopal church in 1857. During the following seven years he was devoted to his duties in the church, his labors in Michigan ending in 1864. Owing to failing health he was obliged to consider the matter of a change of climate and surroundings, and the far west seemed to offer a surcease from physical disability. He accordingly journeyed hence by way of Panama and San Francisco, and upon arriving at his destination at once assumed charge of the Santa Rosa station. After a short time he went to St. Helena, in the Napa valley, where he continued his ministerial work. He was for a time on the Sacramento circuit, and at different times stationed at various points throughout California, and now remains in the Southern California Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1883 Mr. Hazzard took up his permanent residence with the early pioneers of Whittier, the land at that time being covered with great stretches of barren waste. And here, also, his strong and ardent personality was a factor for good, for he taught these early dwellers the gospel of mercy and good-will and how to gently judge. Interested to a large degree in farming and horticulture, he at first took about one thousand acres of the promising soil under his protection, the majority of which he later dis- posed of to other agriculturists who happened late on the scene. At the present time his atten- tion is entirely given to horticulture, and he has one hundred and fifty acres under English walnuts and twenty-five acres under citrus fruits.
While living in Michigan Mr. Hazzard mar- ried Jane A. Lee, a native of New York state and a daughter of Dennis and Polly (Leggett) Lee. Of this union there are five children: Eva M., wife of William Brokaw; Hattie D., wife of Rev. Theophilus Woodward, formerly pastor of Trini- ty Methodist Church, San Francisco, but in 1900
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transferred to Santa Monica, Cal .; George L .; lina, just thirty miles from the farm where he Fred A .; and Alice, who is married to Dr. Rob- ert Dundas, of Los Angeles.
In 1892 Mr. Hazzard was a delegate to the National Prohibition convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. His political affiliations are with the Re- publican party, and are mingled with strong Pro- hibition tendencies. Mr. Hazzard stands out through the history of Whittier as a splendid influence for the all-around betterment of the community, and he is admired by all who know him for his devotion to principle and to the interests of friends and associates.
B EDFORD B. BROWN. During the years of his residence in California Mr. Brown has followed the occupation of horticulture. Coming to this state in 1886, he settled a short distance north of Lordsburg and purchased ten acres, which he has since developed from its primitive condition into a fruit farm of value. He has planted the land to oranges, having the very best varieties of these trees, and giving his atten- tion closely to the business, in order that the re- sults may be the best obtainable.
Of southern birth and parentage, Mr. Brown was born in Orange county, N. C., January 5, 1840, being a son of Peyton H. and Elizabeth (Iseley) Brown, also natives of North Carolina, the mother being of Holland-Dutch parentage. He spent the first eighteen years of his life in the locality where he was born. After the death of his father he accompanied his mother and the other members of his family to White county, Tenn., but spent only a short time there. In 1860 the family settled in Orange county, Ind., and he gave his attention to the clearing of a farın there. In 1868 they went from Indiana to Jasper county, Mo., where his mother died.
During the time he lived in Indiana the Civil war occurred. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Com- pany E, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry, which was attached to the Fifteenth Army Corps, army of the Tennessee. Among the engagements in which he participated were the battles of Corinth, Ken- esaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, the march to the sea, the battle of Bentonville, and others of minor importance. When Johnston surren- dered to Sherman Mr. Brown was in North Caro-
was reared. He was captured at Richmond, Ky., but a few days later was released from imprison- ment. Enlisting as a private, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, in recogniton of merito- rious service. He was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C., in June, 1865.
From 1868 until 1886 Mr. Brown made Mis- souri his home and agriculture his occupation, but in the latter year he came to the coast coun- try and adopted horticulture as his calling. He has since been prospered. While living in Indiana he married Sarah J. Rinnick, of Orange county. Their family consists of six sons and two daughters.
The Republican party has received the con- stant support of Mr. Brown. In Jasper county, Mo., he held office as justice of the peace, and since coming to Los Angeles county he has been a school director in his district. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Co- vina, and in religious views is a Presbyterian, being connected with the church of that denomi- nation in Pomona. He is interested in Grand Army affairs, and holds membership in Vicks- burg Post.
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