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 49
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Having given this attention closely to profes- sional duties, Dr. Nadeau has little time or desire to participate in public affairs. During President Cleveland's administration he was appointed to the office of pension examiner of Los Angeles county and served satisfactorily until the close of the administration. For years he has been iden- tified with the Masonic order. He holds mem- bership in Kankakee Lodge No. 389, A. F. & A. M .; Kankakee Chapter No. 78, R. A. M .; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 53, K. T., of Kan- kakee, Ill .; and Oriental Consistory, S. P. R., in Chicago.
DGAR VERNON VAN NORMAN, M. D. Although Dr. Van Norman has not long been established in medical practice in Los Angeles his fame had preceded him, and within a remarkably short period of time he succeeded in building up a large and remunerative business. He is a physician of extended experience in the treatment of the ills to which flesh is heir, and his sympathetic, cheery manner, united with the assured confidence which he has in his power to relieve and cure most ailments-a confidence born of his long and versatile experience-is
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communicated to his patients and their friends from the moment of his entrance into a sick-room.
Dr. Van Norman was born in Ontario, Canada, July 18, 1838, a son of William and Gills (Black) Van Norman, who were natives respectively of Ontario and St. Johns, New Brunswick. His father was a farmer by occupation, and died upon the family homestead in January, 1849, when he was in his forty-fifth year. His wife, who had long survived him, was born November 21, 1814, and died in Berea, Ohio, at the age of three score and ten. Of her ten children, five are still living. The property formerly owned by William Van Norman was pre-empted by his father, Isaac Van Norman, who took up four hundred acres of Can- adian land. During the war of the Revolution in this country he and four of his brothers were taken prisoners by the British. He lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and his wife, whose maiden surname was Cummings, was between seventy-five and eighty years old at the time of her death.
Until he was about twenty years of age Dr. E. V. Van Norman lived with his parents, at- tending the public schools. Though he had not yet attained his majority when his father died, he assumed the responsibilities of the head of the family, and, after settling all of the debts outstanding, he devoted himself to securing an education.
An older brother, Dr. Horace B. Van Norman, achieved distinction in his profession in Cleve- land, Ohio. Another brother, Dr. William Byron, was the family physician of Rutherford B. Hayes, and died June 23, 1876, in Fremont, Ohio. Our subject, having determined to devote his life to his present line of work, went to Detroit in 1861, and pursued medical studies under the direction of Dr. J. M. Van Norman for two years. Then, finding it advisable to be in possession of more means in order to complete his studies satisfacto- rily, he accepted a position as representative of a leading manufacturer of mowers and reapers, and for about two years sold goods for lıis firm in In- diana and the northwestern states.
In the course of his travels he went to Ander- son, Ind., where he made the acquaintance of Miss Martha Nutt Hazlett, a daughter of James Hazlett, a life-long resident of the place, and its mayor a number of terms, having been elected by
botlı parties. Dr. Van Norman and Miss Hazlett were married July 18, 1867. Their daughter, Gertrude, became the wife of Judge Gibson, of Los Angeles, and is the mother of two children, Their son, William Vernon, is married, and is en- gaged in the practice of medicine in Los Ange- les, being a graduate of the Cleveland Medical College.
Prior to his marriage Dr. Edgar V. Van Nor- man had given his attention to the allopathic method of treating disease, but about that time a great deal of comment was given to the compar- atively new homeopathic system; and after inves- tigating its principles he concluded that they were in accord with common sense and progress, and after a partnership with his brother, who was established in Ashtabula, Ohio, for three years, pursued the required courses of lectures, and was graduated from the Cleveland Homeopathic Col- lege in 1870. He also gained valuable experience when, for a year, he was the assistant to Prof. T. P. Wilson, in the Ophthalmic Institute of Cleveland. In 1873 he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he resided about fourteen years, all of which time he was successfully occupied in his chosen work. In 1887 he came to California and resided in San Diego for several years. Since December, 1897, he has been located in Los Angeles, with offices at No. 545 South Broadway.
In 1871 Dr. Van Norman joined the Ohio State Medical Society, and still retains his membership in it. For one year he served as vice-president of the society just named. After coming to the west he became a member of the California State and Southern California Associations and the San Diego County Homeopathic Medical Society, and for years has been an active member of the Ameri- can Public Health Association. Since 187 1 he has been a member of the American Institute of Ho- meopathy, of which he is a senior member. He is a Mason of the thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite, becoming affiliated with the order in 1867. When he was eighteen years old he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which denomi- nation all of his family have been identified for several generations. He recalls a "grand" ser- mon which his venerable grandfather, Rev. Isaac Van Norman, preached when he was over ninety years old, and from his early manhood to the pres- ent he has earnestly endeavored to perform his
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whole duty toward God and man. He is loved and highly esteemed by a multitude of friends here and in the east, where he labored so long; and, though his years on earth have been more than three score, he bids fair to live many happy, useful years in the sunny sonthlaud to which he las conie.
AMES D. REED, M. D. Years of thorough and painstaking preparation, together with subsequent practical experience, qualify Dr. Reed to fill a high position in the medical profes- sion and to maintain a deserved reputation for skill and proficiency. In 1890 he first came to Covina, and here, with the exception of two years (1893-95), he has since carried on an active professional practice. He is actively identified with the Pomona Valley Medical Society and is an honorary member of the Sacramento Valley Medical Society of this state. While his atten- tion is largely given to professional duties, this work does not represent the extent of his ac- tivities. He is particularly interested in educa- tional affairs and has served acceptably for some time as a trustee of the Covina schools, being now clerk of the board.
In Randolph county, Mo., Dr. Reed was born September 20, 1858, a son of Hon. Thomas B. and Rachel E. (Denny) Reed, natives respec- tively of North Carolina and Missouri. His father, who was a leading attorney of Huntsville, Mo., was a man of prominence in public affairs and represented his district in the Missouri state senate with distinguished ability. During the Civil war he was captain of a company of the Missouri state militia and served under Gen. Odon Guitar principally in Missouri. He is now deceased, and his widow still remains in Hunts- ville. His father, John D. Reed, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and descended from Scotch- Irish ancestry. The subject of this article re. ceived his education in the public schools and Mount Pleasant College at Huntsville. His first course of medical lectures he took in the medical department of the Missouri State University at Columbia, Mo. In 1883 he graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City. Since then he has been a constant student of his profession, for it is his belief that no man can hope for professional success unless he keeps
in touch with every development and new phase of his profession. In 1899 he took a course in the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital, thus having the advantages of the finest opportunities for clinical work that our country affords. After his graduation he prac- ticed in Westville, Mo., until his removal to Co- vina, Cal. While residing in Westville he mar- ried Miss Eva Clark, of that place. Two sons bless their union, Wallace and Thomas B.
Though having little time to identify himself with politics every acquaintance of Dr. Reed knows that he is a stanch Republican and never fails to cast a straight party ticket. The Ma- sonic and Odd Fellows' lodges of Covina number him among their members, as do also the Wood- men of the World, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
AMES HARVEY. Having made his home in Pomona since 1879, Mr. Harvey has witnessed the development of this place front a tract of unimproved land, used only as a sheep pasture, to its present standing as one of the citrus fruit centers of Southern California. In partnership with Stoddard Jess, he is the owner of an orange ranch of thirty-five acres, which is one of the fine orchards of Pomona. He is well known to the people of Pomona and at this writing is serving as a member of the city board of trustees. At the time of the establish- ment of the city government he was a prime mover in making the change and was chosen a member of the first board of trustees. In that capacity he bore an important part in many of the plans and movements for the early develop- ment of the city.
Mr. Harvey was born in Marshall county, Ind., September 7, 1839, a son of Ithumer and Lurinda (Morris) Harvey, natives of New York state. His father, who was of English extrac- tion, served in the war of 1812 and took part in the memorable battle of Plattsburg. He died when his son, James, was six years old. Three years later the wife and mother passed away. This left the boy an orphan, without means of support. He was therefore thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood. When eleven years of age he was bound out to a man in Ply-
LARKIN SNODGRASS.
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mouth, Ind., with whom he remained for seven years. He then started out for himself, going to Minnesota and beginning the life of a farmer in that region. At the opening of the Civil war he responded to the first call for volunteers to put down the rebellion. In April, 1861, he en- listed in Company B, First Minnesota Infantry, which was assigned to the army of the Potomac. Among the engagements in which he bore a part were the first battle of Bull Run, the seven days' battle during Mcclellan's retreat, the battle of Antietam, and others not so important. On ac- count of disability he was honorably discharged in June, 1863.
Returning to Minnesota Mr. Harvey resumed the occupation of a farmer. He remained there until 1868, when he disposed of his interests in that state and settled near Walla Walla, Wash., 011 a farm. Eleven years later he sold out and came to Pomona, Cal., to engage in the raising of citrus fruits.
Mr. Harvey has been married twice. After the death of his first wife, who was Mercy Palmer, of Minnesota, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Nettie Castle, of Pomona, by whom he has two sons, James H. and George J. The first husband of Mrs. Harvey was Jerome Castle, by whom she had three children, Hulbert, Annie and Delos C. Mr. Harvey is of the Unitarian belief in religion and politically favors the prin- ciples for which the Republican party stands.
ARKIN SNODGRASS. Larkin Snodgrass, who has a fine old home at No. 606 East Washington street, Los Angeles, has been closely associated with the agricultural and finan -. cial interests of this locality for the past sixteen years, prior to which he was similarly connected with the welfare of Ventura county for a like period of time. In fact, he is one of the pioneers of this state, which he first beheld fifty years ago, and, beholding, was enchanted, so that his fealty never has wavered.
The parents of the above-named gentleman, Isaac and Jane (Thompson) Snodgrass, were natives of Virginia, but at an early day removed to Kentucky. His father was a carpenter and farmer in the Blue Grass state, and there resided
until his death. To himself and wife seventeen children were born, of whom sixteen reached maturity, but of these only three sons survive.
Larkin Snodgrass was born in Rock Castle county, Ky., March 11, 1824. In his youth he attended the common schools and when he was only twenty-two years of age he crossed the plains to California. Here he spent four years, then returning home, but, though he continued to dwell there some seven years, his purpose was to come back to the west, sooner or later. For the second time he turned his face westward and made the long and perilous journey across the plains and deserts of the great west, and, arriving in Sacramento, turned his attention to the raising of cattle and sheep. He lived there for eleven years, gradually accumulating a fortune, and in 1868 he removed to Ventura county, where he also engaged in the raising of live stock. He assisted in the organizing of the Ventura Bank and served as its president for four years. He stood high in the estimation of the people of that county, and by them was elected to the respon- sible position of treasurer of the county. He met every obligation in a manner which greatly accrued to his honor, and, at the expiration of his first term of office, was re-elected.
In 1884 he removed to Los Angeles and about four years later bought a large ranch located several miles southeast of the city, and it was not until 1890 that he disposed of this property. He then purchased his present fine stock farm, which is nearly three miles northeast of Compton and about an hour's ride from Los Angeles, when seated behind one of his splendid roadsters. He makes a point of raising thorough-bred trotting horses, and, indeed, is one of the few who hold the palm in this specialty in Southern California. He also raises English shire horses, and at the head of his stud is the celebrated "Bob Mason," known to turfmen all over the United States.
At his old home in Kentucky Mr. Snodgrass married Miss Amelia Stringer, daughter of a neighbor, and to them five children were born. Mrs. Snodgrass departed this life at the age of thirty years, and two of their children are also deceased. Returning to Kentucky subsequently, Mr. Snodgrass married Mrs. Elizabeth Noax, by whom he has had five children, four now living. John M. and Robert Snodgrass, sons of our sub-
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ject, are enterprising young business men. They attend to their father's stock farm and are mak- ing a splendid success of the undertaking.
Politically Mr. Snodgrass is active in the ranks of the Democratic party, though in the old Whig days he voted for Henry Clay of his own illus- trious state. He has been actively connected with numerous local enterprises, and besides being a stockholder in several large business con- cerus in Los Angeles, is a director in the East Side Bank and is treasurer of the Hay and Grain Storage Company. He is progressive and lib- eral, supporting all movements for improvements and better facilities for the comfort and conven- ience of the public, and in a thousand ways man- ifesting his patriotism.
C HARLES E. BACON, M. D. As the mild climate of Southern California is constantly attracting more and more of the population of the northern and eastern states, and thousands of persons in failing health are constantly seeking the benefits of an out-door life in this wonderful American Rievera, the medical profession is taxed to the utmost to combat the various forms of disease, and skill of the highest type is required. Thus many specialists have located in Los Angeles and other cities of this sunny south- land and find an abundance of business. Among those who have met with the cordial co-operation of the public within late years, Doctors Bacon, father and son, deserve mention.
The elder, Dr. John W. Bacon, was born in McDonough county, Ill., August 13, 1838, and, after a long and useful career in his chosen line of work, passed to his reward May 18, 1899. He was a graduate of Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and for a period of twenty years was engaged in the practice of his profession in Ipava, Ill. In 1883 he removed to McPherson, Kans., where he established an office and succeeded in building up a large practice. In 1895 he came to Los Angeles, where he met with success as a medical practitioner, and won the high regard of the citizens. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Bailey in her maidenhood, and to them were born three children, viz .: Mrs. Alta Nichols, of Buffalo, N. Y .: Charles E. and Mattie.
Dr. Charles E. Bacon, who succeeded his father
at the latter's death in his well-established practice in Los Angeles, has been ranked among our best local physicians for nearly two years. He was born in the village of Ipava, III., October 28, 1865, and spent his boyhood in that place. He obtained the foundations of his future knowledge in the public schools of Ipava, and when he was about sixteen years of age it was his privilege to become a student in the State University, and two years afterward he attended Jacksonville (Il1.) College. At the close of the three years of his collegiate training he had no difficulty in gaining a certificate to teach, and for about a year he was thus employed in his native state. Then, going to Kansas, he was similarly occu- pied for a like period. In 1884 lie went to the southwestern part of that state and homesteaded a tract of land, at the end of a year "proving up" his claim to the property. During the ensuing two years he was engaged in the drug business in McPherson, Kans., after which he took up the study of medicine under the tutelage of his father. After long and careful preparation he matricu- lated in the Kansas City Medical College, where he was graduated in the spring of 1890. For eighteen months he practiced his profession in Adams county, Neb., after which he was located in Denver for eight months. Returning to his native county, he established an office in the town of Table Grove, Ill., and built up a fine practice and an enviable reputation for skill and trust- worthiness during the seven or more years of his residence there. With natural reluctance and regret at leaving the people to whom he had be- come much attached, he nevertheless closed his business there and arranged his affairs in the spring of 1898, in order to take up the work which had fallen from his late father's hands. He is an ardent admirer of this charming city and country, and possesses the enterprise and skill necessary to success here.
Fraternally Dr. Bacon is a member of the Knights of Pythias, which order he joined in Denver, Colo., in 1892, serving in many of the offices of the lodge, and is past chancellor com- mander of Freedom Lodge No. 494. Politically he is au ally of the Democratic party.
November 10, 1892, a marriage ceremony per- formed in Ipava, Ill., united the destinies of Dr. Bacon and Miss Mattie Perry, who is a native of
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the same towu as her husband. They have two promising sons, John A., born March 12, 1894, and A. Perry, born March 4, 1896. Mrs. Bacon is a lady of superior educational and social attain- ments. She is a member of the Episcopal Church and takes great interest in religious and philanthropic movements.
DWIN C. BUELL, M. D. As a represent- ative of the homeopathic school of medi- cine, there is perhaps no physician of Los Angeles more deserving of mention than Dr. Buell. Since he came to this city, in September, 1888, he has become known for his thorough knowledge of every department of professional activity. Especially has he won prominence through his success in operative surgery, in which branch of the profession he has few su- periors in the state. He has made a specialty of surgery and is known far and wide as the homeo- pathic surgeon of Los Angeles. He was one of the organizers of the Pacific Hospital, which is splendidly equipped for all kinds of surgical operations and is said to be the finest private hospital on the coast. His extensive practice has made him familiar with all forms of disease, and his close study of medicine and surgery has given him the position he now holds. Whatever success he has attained is the reward of effort. In his youth he had 110 special advantages save such as he made for himself, and probably it is due to his enforced dependence upon his own efforts that he became so self-reliant and resolute in character.
A member of an old eastern family, Dr. Buell was born in Summit county, Ohio, in 1853, his parents being David C. and Harriet E. (Chap- man) Buell. In boyhood he acquired a knowl- edge of the "three R's" in district schools. Not content with the meagre advantages afforded by these schools, he determined to secure a college education, and turned his efforts toward that end. He was successful and had the advantage of study in Oberlin College, which was then, as now, one of the famous educational institutions of the east. During boyhood he had resolved to enter the medical profession. He chose the homeopathic school of medicine, of which he has since been a true disciple. For a time he
studied in the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College and later entered the New York Home- opathic College, from which he graduated in 1876. After his graduation he began to practice in Ohio.
Like most young physicians he experienced the "day of small beginnings." Gradually, however, as his skill became known, his practice increased and financial returns were more satis- factory. It had been his intention to remain in Ohio permanently, but the delightful climate of California, its rapid increase in population and the opportunities offered here to professional men, led him to settle in Los Angeles, where he has his office and home on South Hill street. He is a member of the California Medical Society. For one year (which is the limit of office) he served as its president. He was one of the or- ganizers of the Southern California Medical So- ciety, with which he is actively connected. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Elks and Mac- cabees.
During his residence in Ohio Dr. Buell married Miss Florence T. Shannon, who was born and reared in Ohio, and received her education in that state and in the Gannett Institute at Boston, Mass. As a musician she is well known in Los Angeles social circles, while her many graces of mind and heart have won for her the warm re- gard of acquaintances.
HARLES T. HARRIS, a prominent citizen of Covina and a director of the Covina Orange Growers' Association, has been a resident of this place since 1891 and has engaged in the meantime in horticultural and kindred pursuits. He was born near Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 29. 1844, a son of Nathan T. and Charlotte (Ells) Harris, also natives of Nova Scotia, the former of English and the latter of English and Scotch extraction. His educational advantages were less than those enjoyed by the present generation, but his long business ex- perience has given him that best of all educa- tions, to be gained only by habits of close observation, training and quickness of con- prehension.
While still a boy Mr. Harris entered the em- ploy of Samunel Strong & Co., dry-goods mer-
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chants of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and there he was employed for three years. When about eighteen he went to Boston, Mass., and entered the em- ploy of Jordan, Marsh & Co., one of the largest mercantile firms in the east. After three years in that house he decided to try his fortune in the west, and accordingly went to St. Paul, Minn., where he remained for a time, and later spent some months in traveling. Going back to New Brunswick, he became connected with the dry- goods house of Armstrong & Co., of St. Johns.
The year 1870 found Mr. Harris in California for the first time. He located in Sonoma county and engaged in buying, baling and selling hay, in which he was quite successful financially. His next occupation was that of a nurseryman in Orange, Cal., where he spent many years. Afterward he carried on a real-estate business and had other interests in Los Angeles. In 1891 he came to Covina and settled on the ranch he has since cultivated. He is a well-known citizen, who enjoys the esteem and confidence of asso- ciates. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and Foresters in Covina, in both of which organizations he is influential.
The marriage of Mr. Harris united him with Elida Hale, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. They have lad five children, all but one of whom are now living, Charles H. having died in childhood. The others are Lottie B., Lillian E., Edith and Ethel.
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