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 63
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On the home farm in Highland county Mr. Custer lived until he was fourteen years of age, meantime, under his father's instruction, gaining a knowledge of agriculture and of carpentering. He then accompanied his parents to Andrew county, Mo., where he completed his education in common schools. For a number of years he engaged in teaching school in Missouri and Ari- zona. In the spring of 1887 he went to Garfield, in the then territory of Washington, where he opened an undertaking establishment and also carried on a furniture business for some years. During his residence in that town he served as city treasurer and police judge and for several years held office as clerk of the school board. His interest in educational matters has continued with his change of residence, and he is now president of the board of trustees of Lower Azusa schools, in which responsible position he has proved a most efficient and satisfactory official. His po- litical views are Democratic in the main, although his tendencies are toward independence of thought and vote.
Coming to Southern California in 1893, Mr. Custer embarked in horticultural pursuits, in which he has since engaged. In May, 1899, he opened an undertaking business in Covina, and this he now conducts, in addition to the manage- ment of his ranch. In the Baptist Church of Co- vina he is a deacon and a member of the board of trustees, and for four years has acted as Sunday- school superintendent. He is a man of integrity
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and intelligence and justly stands high as a citi- is a native of Milwaukee, coming from one of the zen. By his marriage to Miss Lavina M. Hague, who was born in Nebraska, and in girlhood re- moved to Garfield, Wash., he has three children: William P., Mark B. and Clyde C.
- RTHUR D. HOWARD, one of the recent acquisitions to the list of wide-awake busi- ness men in Los Angeles, has made his home in this immediate locality for over eleven years, and has been intimately associated with the improvement of this section of the state dur- ing that period. He is imbued with the spirit of progress which marks the closing years of the century, and is an ardent believer in the future of Southern California.
Born in Milwaukee, Wis., October 15, 1854, Arthur D. Howard is a son of James P. and Sophronia (Porter) Howard. His father was one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, where he settled in 1836, and he owned and carried on a farm in the vicinity of Milwaukee for many years, mean- time winning the esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances.
In the common schools of his district and in Carroll College, Waukesha, A. D. Howard ob- tained a liberal education. About the first prac- tical application of his knowledge was when he was asked to assist in the surveying of Milwaukee township, which task he efficiently performed. Subsequently he mastered the carpenter's trade, which he has followed as a calling ever since. Coming westward, he found employment in Nebraska, Colorado and other states, and in January, 1889, he arrived in Los Angeles. With the exception of five years, when he lived upon his own ranch not far distant from the city limits, he has worked at his trade here, with few interruptions, and inevitably became thoroughly posted in local building and real estate problems. For a number of years he has been well ac- quainted with Joseph A. Morlan, of this city, and in 1900 they joined their interests and now are engaged in the real-estate business under the firm name of Joseph A. Morlan & Co., having their office in the Laughlin building, on South Broadway.
The marriage of Mr. Howard to Helen M. Baker was solemnized December 26, 1881. She
respected old families of that state. The How- ards have a pleasant home at No. 1606 W'est Eleventh street, Los Angeles, and the two sons and two daughters of the family are young people of inch promise. They are named respectively, in order of birth, as follows: George Porter, Alfred Tyler, Sadie May and Helen Mary.
Mr. Howard is a Republican in his political views, and fraternally he is a member of the In- dependent Order of Foresters, belonging to the local lodge. He enjoys the good will and respect of a multitude of business men here and else- where, and has made an enviable reputation for integrity and square dealing.
DWIN R. SHRADER, president of the Los Angeles Business College, which occupies all of the fifth floor of the Currier building, on Third street, between Broadway and Spring street, was born in Wood county, Ohio, May 15, - 1841. His parents, John and Margaret (McNabb) Shrader, were among the pioneer settlers of the Western Reserve, and the thriving town of Fostoria now occupies a part of their old home farın.
Professor Shrader received his academic educa- tion at Hedding Seminary, in Abingdon, Knox county, Ill. Subsequently he was a student at Genesee College, Lima, N. Y., and finally was graduated from the Northwestern University, Evanston, Il1., in 1871, receiving the degree of A. B. and in due time that of A. M. He then acted as assistant professor of physics and chemistry in that institution until 1876, when he was elected to the chair of natural science in Chaddock College, Quincy, Il1. Subsequently he was elected superintendent of schools at Mt. Sterling, Brown county, Ill., which position lie hield for five years.
Iu 1885, on account of his wife's ill health, Professor Shrader came to California and imme- diately became connected with the university at Los Angeles, in which he held a prominent posi- tion for a number of years, having been senior professor. In June, 1888, he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Mallieu University at Bartley, Neb. He is one of the most promi- nent educators in that section of the state, and as
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president of the Los Angeles Business College has succeeded in making that institution one of the best of the kind in the west.
Inl 1874 Professor Shrader was united in mar- riage with Miss Eva Mattison, of Evanston, Il1., a daughter of S. A. Mattison, now a prominent citizen of Los Angeles, who for over a quarter of a century was one of the most prominent in- surance men in the United States. Our subject and his wife have three children, namely: Edwin Roscoe, Ada May and Sarah Ethel.
ENRY T. BINGHAM, a pioneer of Cali- fornia, residing in Pomona, came to Califor- nia as early as 1853 and settled at San Ber- nardino, where for some twenty years he made his home. Meantime he engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits. From there he moved to Compton, Cal., but remained in that place for a short time only. Returning to San Bernardino, he continued there for two years more, and then settled in Artesia, this state, where he took up agriculture and horticulture. During the year 1883 he removed thence to Pomona, where he has since devoted his time to fruit-raising.
Mr. Bingham was born in Nottinghamshire, England, May 20, 1828, a son of Robert W. and Martha (Lupton) Bingham. He was reared in his native shire of Nottingham and received his education in local schools. Under his father, who was a general merchant, he early gained a thorough knowledge of the mercantile business, and this he followed as long as he remained in England. In 1850 he took passage on a sailing vessel from Liverpool to New Orleans, and after a voyage of eight weeks landed in the latter city. He spent two years in St. Louis, Mo., and Lebanon, Il1. April 5, 1852, he married Emma Caudwell, a native of Lincolnshire, England.
Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bingham started for California, joining a com- pany that traveled across the plains with a train of six wagons. They drove from St. Louis via Salt Lake City to San Bernardino, arriving in the last-named town after a trip of almost six months. Here he settled, as before stated. While residing in San Bernardino he was a mem- ber of the board of trustees of the Central school
district and during the entire term of his service, four years, he served as clerk of the board. For almost one. year he was a trustee of Pomona, and he has also been a member of the board of health of this city. Politically he is independent, voting for principle and for the best men, regardless of party.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bingham consists of ten children: Mrs. James E. Stones, of Artesia, Cal .; Henry T. L., living in Solomonsville, Ariz .; Robert W., of Artesia; Walter J., who is in Clifton, Ariz .; Martha, deceased; Mrs. L. O. Matthews, whose home is at Long Beach, Cal .; Mrs. E. W. Clark, of El Paso, Tex .; Mrs. G. F. Vaughan, of Clifton, Ariz .; Mrs. G. H. Royer, of Pomona; and Mrs. Byrd H. Schooley, also of Pomona.
REDERICK W. SHERWOOD. Within the limits of Covina valley there are few fruit- packers and shippers so well known as the Fay Fruit Company, with which Mr. Sherwood has been identified since 1898, having had the contract for the packing of their fruit at Covina. This company, during the orange season of 1900, shipped two hundred and ninety cars from Covi- na to the eastern markets, making the largest shipment of oranges from this point during the season, with the exception of the shipment made by the Covina Citrus Association. Besides his work in this connection, Mr. Sherwood has for ten years engaged in horticulture in Covina, own- ing an orange orchard of eight acres, which is in a high state of cultivation. He is also a director of the Covina Mutual Building Association and a member of the loan committee of the same.
Of English birth and parentage Mr. Sherwood was born in Yorkshire, June 14, 1861. His ed- ucation was received mainly at Gainford Acade- my and Cleveland College, Darlington, England. After leaving college he was for five years em- ployed in a clerical capacity in a bank in Darling- ton, being first junior clerk and later promoted to senior clerk. In 1883 he came to America, first settling in Napa City, Cal., where he engaged in fruit growing for a number of years. In 1888 he settled in Southern California, and since 1890 has been a permanent resident of Covina.
Like so many Englishmen, Mr. Sherwood is fond of outdoor sports. He is a charter member
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of the Covina Country Club, the Covina Tennis Club and the Covina Golf Club. At an early age he became identified with the Church of England and now holds his membership in the Episcopal Church of Covina. By his marriage to Miss Alice K. Wilkins, of Yorkshire, England, he has four children, namely : Harold R. L., Cyril V. S., Muriel E. and Gwendolin A.
Very probably few are more familiar with the fruit-packing business, in every phase and depart- ment, than is Mr. Sherwood, whose successful ex- perience makes his advice valnable upon every subject connected therewith.
A. BEARDSLEE. One of the pioneers in the telegraphic service in the United States is E. A. Beardslee, who has spent his entire mature life in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company. For the past twelve years he has been located in Los Angeles, where he is one of the best-known citizens, and his numerous friends will take pleasure in perusing his history, which, could it be written in detail, would con- stitute a large volume.
He is a son of William E. Beardslee, who was connected with the Union Manufacturing Com- pany of Norwalk, Conn., for several years. Prior to the Civil war he joined the state militia, and at all times he was relied upon to perform the duties of a good and patriotic citizen. He died at Norwalk in October, 1880, aged seventy-two years. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Lucretia Miner in her girlhood, and New York state was the place of her birth.
E. A. Beardslee was born in Newtown, Conn., December 2, 1845, and in that village received his education, chiefly in Norwalk private schools. When he was sixteen years old he started upon his business career by securing employment as a messenger boy in the Norwalk office of the Union Telegraph Company, which was merged into the American Telegraph Company, and later into the Western Union Company. His strict attention to his duties, and his unusually quick, keen understanding, made him a mark for promotion, and in September, 1862, he was stationed in the company's office at Fall River, Mass. The fol- lowing year he was transferred to New York City, thence went to Boston, and later to Pittsburg,
where he remained until the close of the Civil war. During that long struggle between the north and the south his services were esteemed almost invaluable, and he may justly be proud of the fact that he held the record of being one of the most rapid receivers and transmitters of mes- sages in the employ of the company. In 1865 he was again transferred to Boston, where he contin- ued with the same corporation. At the close of fifteen years in Boston he came to California, reaching Sacramento, his new field of operations, in April, 1880, and completing his career there in September, 1887. Since the last-named date he has been located in Los Angeles, where he now holds the trustworthy position of manager of the Western Union, and at the same time superintend- ent of the Los Angeles District Messenger Com- pany. He is thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the telegraph system and service, and has simplified and improved the old order of things, thus materially contributing to the safety and reliability of modern telegraphy. Politically he is a Republican, as was also his father. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
When he was in his nineteenth year Mr. Beards- lee married Miss Velena Babcock, of Rhode Island. She died, leaving one son, W. E. M., who is su- perintendent of a large hop and fruit ranch near Sacramento. The second wife of our subject was Miss Mary E. Cross, a native of Lawrence, Mass.
AMES W. RUSSELL, who spent the last years of his life in Covina, was a native of Indiana, born March 1, 1832. When a lad of tender years he lost his mother, and was thus deprived of an influence which he never ceased to regret. He was soon afterward taken to Illinois by his father, and there he grew to an intelligent understanding of the various branches of farm work. The schools of the time were crude and limited in number, offering scant outlet for the rising enthusiasm of an apt and ambitious boy. He therefore availed himself of whatever came under his observation, and reading was his favor- ite pastime.
Before he left Illinois Mr. Russell married Mrs. Jane Pete, a native of County Monaghan, Ire- land, born November 2, 1831. She was a daugh- ter of Andrew and Elizabeth Breakey, natives of
W. D. Ellis
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the north of Ireland, but of Scotch extraction. Mrs. Russell has one adopted daughter, Annie, widow of the late William L. Finch, of Covina, who died September 15, 1899.
For many years Mr. and Mrs. Russell lived upon their farm in Illinois, near St. Louis, but subsequently moved to the vicinity of Edwards- ville, the same state. Early in the 'gos they came to California and settled in Covina, where Mr. Russell died July 31, 1898. Since his death Mrs. Russell has given her attention to the man- agement of her orange orchard of five acres, and also to the supervision of her other property in Covina .. She is an active member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and contributes to its activities. Her first marriage was to George Pete, a native of the north of Ireland. They had one son, William Andrew Pete, deceased.
Although his sojourn among the people of Covina was of comparatively short duration, Mr. Russell left behind him an impression of capabil- ity and kindness and all-around good-will, which will live long in the memory of his friends and associates.
ILLIAM D. ELLIS. The history of the dwellers of the San Gabriel valley would be incomplete withont emphatic mention of William D. Ellis, who, although not one of the old residents of the locality, is one of the best- known and most influential. He owns a ranch one mile west of San Dimas, consisting of thirty acres, devoted principally to orange culture. On this place he has made his home since 1896, meantime giving his attention closely to its in1- provement.
A native of Chemung county, N. Y., Mr. Ellis was born June 30, 1848, a son of Ebenezer and Abigail (Barnum) Ellis, also natives of New York state. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution and served his country with fidelity and courage. When William was thirteen years of age his father died, and in a few years his mother also passed away. He was therefore thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood. Looking around him for a means of subsistence, he was led to select farming as his occupation, having a fondness for tilling the soil, together with some experience in the work. Going west to Rock county, Wis., for several years lie
was engaged in general farming. Subsequently, for a number of years he varied his occupation with travel in various states of the Union, and later served as foreman of a coal company in Newcastle, Wash., for three years. For several years he also resided in Colorado and engaged in the wood business.
The year 1883 found Mr. Ellis in Pomona, Cal., which at that time was a mere hamlet, with a few scattered houses here and there and with no noticeable prospects for the future. He was one of the pioneers to whom the city owed its first start and the fact that it is now in so flourishing a condition. In 1896 he moved to San Dimas and settled on the ranch he now owns and culti- vates. He was one of the prime movers in or- ganizing the Artesian Belt Water Company, in which he is now a director. Other local move- ments have received the impetus of his encourage- ment. At heart a Republican, he is, however, liberal in his ideas regarding politics, and espe- cially in local matters maintains an independent attitude.
By his marriage, December 23, 1891, to Miss Amelia S. Pratt, of Wayne county, N. Y., Mr. Ellis has one son, J. Pratt Ellis.
OSEPH MOXLEY, who is a horticulturist of the Covina valley, and also a contractor and builder, is a native of Schoharie county, N. Y., and was born February 26, 1849. The Moxley family is an old English one and lays claim to many ancestors who have rendered their country distinguished service. The parents of our subject were Amos and Lydia (Woodward) Moxley, natives of New York. His great-great- grandfather, Joseph Moxley, served with courage and enthusiasm in the war of the Revolution, and was killed at the battle of Fort Griswold. His son, Joseph Moxley, fought beside him in the same battle and was wounded, but subsequent- ly recovered.
Joseph Moxley, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, where he learned every phase of the work, and at the same time availed himself of the educational advantages of- fered by the district schools, and the high school at Jefferson, N. Y. His father was a cooper by trade, and the youth, under his father's tutelage,
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became an expert in the same line, to which he devoted himself for several years after attaining his majority.
In 1878 he changed the scene of his efforts to British Columbia, later going to San Francisco for a time, and eventually settling in Los Angeles county, where he has since lived. He owns twenty acres of highly improved land, which he has converted from practically a barley field into a thriving orange grove. Upon his arrival in Los Angeles county he worked as a contractor and builder, having previously employed himself in that capacity in Artesia, Cal., and he still follows that business.
Mr. Moxley married Amanda Smith, of Jeffer- son, N. Y., and of this union there are four children: George L., Bertha E., Fred O. and Mary A.
Prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Moxley is one of its most generous contributors. He has for years served as steward and trustee, and takes a vital interest in all things pertaining to the church's welfare. For four years he served as postmaster at Covi- na, soon after his arrival in this part of the country. Among his friends and associates lie is regarded as a broad-minded, progressive, relia- ble and enterprising man.
HARLES E. BEMIS, who has made Covina his home since 1886 and is a director of the Covina Water Company, was born in Rock county, Wis., July 29, 1850, a son of Edmund and Louisa (Hall) Bemis, natives respectively of Massachusetts and New York, the former of English extraction. The years of youth he passed in his native county, receiving his educa- tion in local schools and in the Evansville (Wis.) Seminary. In 1872, with his parents, he moved to Colorado and settled near Colorado Springs, where he followed agricultural pursuits for some years. At a later date he was at the head of a jewelry business in Longmont, Colo., having as a partner his brother, H. G., under the firm name of Bemis Brothers. After a partnership of several years Charles sold his interest to his brother and in 1886 came to Covina, of which he was a pioneer and in which place he has since engaged in horticultural pursuits. He owns a ranch of
twenty acres, under oranges and lemons, and also owns and conducts an orange stock nursery.
With the progress of his town and the ex- tension of its interests Mr. Bemis has been closely identified. For four years he held office as jus- tice of the peace at Covina. The Covina Irri- gating Company has received the impetus of his aid; for three years he officiated as its president and for seven years served as its secretary. He assisted in the organization and incorporation of the Covina Water Company, of which he was elected the first president, and at this writing is a director in the same. He is also a member of the Covina Citrus Association, of which he was the first president. He assisted in the organiza- tion of the A. C. G. Lemon Association, and has been honored with the office of president in that flourishing organization. In the organization of the A. C. G. Deciduous Association he was a prime factor, and he has since served on its board of directors.
By his marriage to Miss Sarah M. Souther, a native of Oakland, Cal., Mr. Bemis has four children now living: Waldo E., Harold W., Muriel W. and D. Mildred. Fraternally he is connected with Covina Lodge No. 362, I. O. O. F. In politics he is a believer in Republican prin- ciples and he has served efficiently as a member of the county central committee of his party.
Mrs. Bemis is a daughter of William H. and Maria (Huff) Souther, natives respectively of Kentucky and Michigan. Her father crossed the plains to California with an ox-team in 1849, being one of that famous band of '49ers to whose enterprise so much of the subsequent progress of the state was due. For a time he made his home in Oakland, and for years he served as justice of the peace in Alameda county, of which he was an honored citizen and promi- nent Republican. His wife came to California by ox-team, during the '50s, in company with her brothers, settling in Alameda county, where she met and married Mr. Souther. To Mr. Souther belongs the distinction of having planted the first deciduous fruit trees on what is known as the Phillips tract, a strip of land comprising two thousand acres and covering what is now the site of Covina. It was during the '8os that these trees were planted, and for years they were among the finest bearing trees in this valley. He
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did much other work of a pioneer nature, and proved himself in every respect a typical pioneer, interested in every enterprise for the advancement of the state. Especially did he do much to assist in the reclamation of a large tract of land in the Bakersfield district, constructing the first irri- gating canal from Kern river to Kern lake. During the first years of liis residence in this state he was prominently identified with placer mining in Northern California, and this industry he fol- lowed successfully for some years.
G EORGE A. STEFFA. With the progress of Los Angeles county, and more especially with the history of Pomona, Mr. Steffa las been identified for years, having contributed to the development of its business resources and to the upbuilding of its educational interests. His progressive spirit being known, he was deemed a wise choice for the position of school director, and in April, 1897, he was elected for a term of four years. Soon after his election he was made president of the board of education, a responsible office, which he has filled with the greatest efficiency for three years.
Mr. Steffa was born in Ogle county, Ill., Au- gust 5, 1859. When he was eleven years of age his parents moved to Poweshiek county, Iowa, and settled upon a farm, where he grew to mati- hood. His education was such as country schools afforded, but from an early age he realized the benefits of a thorough schooling, and hence he has been solicitous that children of the present and future generations should have every advan- tage possible. At twenty-three years of age he became a clerk in a drug store at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he remained for almost two years, and afterward clerked for a similar period in a drug store at Belle Plaine, that state. Meantime he had acquired a thorough knowledge of the drug business and felt justified in undertaking a business of his own. He began in Belle Plaine, where he continued for some time.
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