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 72

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

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ON. ORLANDO H. HUBER. An archi- tect and builder of acknowledged merit, and a legislator of undoubted ability, Mr. Huber has been closely associated with the fortunes of Azusa since he took up his residence here in 1887. At that time the town had scarcely a sug- gestion of its present importance, a dozen dwell- ings being sufficient to house the few who had established homes here. With a stanch faith in its future he has since kept closely identified with the place and has assisted in promoting its ma- terial progress.

Early in the '40s Martin and Philippine (Ritter ) Huber came from Germany to the United States and settled in Hancock county, Ill., where the former died, the latter afterward settling in California, where she passed away. Their son, Orlando H., was born August 9, 1857, in the historic town of Nauvoo, in Hancock county, and there grew to manhood, receiving a public school education. Possessing decided mechanical abil- ity, he found vent for this talent in the carpen- ter's and builder's trade, and served an appren- ticeship at this in San Francisco, Cal., whither he went in 1873. For a number of years he ap- plied his trade variously, often as journeyman carpenter and superintendent of works. For a term of years he was superintendent of the build- ing department for W. M. Fletcher, at that time the nrost prominent and skillful contractor and builder in San Francisco.

In 1887 Mr. Huber took up his residence in Azusa, and he has since made a substantial im- pression upon the progress of the city. He has been actively identified with political affairs in this vicinity and is a stanch Republican. In the fall of 1894 lie was elected assemblyman for the seventy-first district, serving for two years, and in 1898 he was elected for another term. As a legislator he was earnestly active in promoting measures for the welfare of the people, and his constituents were fortunate in having in the legislative halls one as able and faithful to their

RE Wirsching

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

interests as was he. Fraternally he has taken all of the degrees in Masonry, from the Blue Lodge to Knight Templar and Shriner, and is a member of the Pomona Commandery and Los Angeles Shrine. He is also connected with the Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World.

In Sacramento, Cal., in 1885, Mr. Huber married Miss H. Mary Griffiths, who was edu- cated in the schools of Stockton, Cal., and grew to womanhood there. She is a daughter of the late John D. Griffiths and a sister of Charles D. Griffiths, elsewhere represented in this work.

Mr. Huber is appreciated for his many sterling qualities of mind and heart. As an architect he takes high rank. He keeps in touch with the progress of his art in all parts of the world, and strives at all times to accomplish the most substantial results.

R OBERT E. WIRSCHING. The popula- tion of Los Angeles is cosmopolitan. Here we find descendants of the old Spanish grandees and representatives of the Teutonic race mingling with the Anglo-Saxon, while in the lower walks of life the Mongolian and the African follow their humble occupations. Both the name and the face of Mr. Wirsching readily indicate his Teutonic extraction. He was born in Saxe- Meiningen, Germany, February 15, 1846, and was six years of age when his parents came to America, settling in Connecticut, where he re- ceived his education and grew to manhood. From an early age he evinced an ambition to succeed, and to this end he applied himself diligently to his work. While in the east he learned photog- raphy and carriage-painting. During the early '70s he determined to seek his fortune on the Pa- cific coast, in the great west toward which at that time the tide of emigration was so rapidly tend- ing. The year 1875 found him in Los Angeles, where he has since made his home.

As a member of the firm of Rees & Wirsching, the subject of this article soon gained a place among the representative business men of Los Angeles, and built up a large trade in agricul- tural implements and wagons. It is a matter of record that this firm was the first to break away from the dominating influence then held by San

Francisco over the Southern California trade. Instead of sending to San Francisco for supplies they bought in the east and were therefore pio- neers in the movement that has culminated in making Los Angeles a wholesale center. While in the main the firm met with success, yet they had their share of reverses, notably in 1884, when the disastrous floods caused a damage of not less than $15,000. Instead of being discour- aged by the disaster they at once purchased new goods, made·radical improvements in their meth- ods of carrying on the business, and by dint of energy, perseverance and indomitable will- power they were soon on the road to prosperity, and were enjoying a larger trade than ever be- fore.

While giving his attention closely to the build- ing up of the business, Mr. Wirsching did not neglect his duties as a citizen. He has always been ardently devoted to the institutions of his adopted country, where he has made his home so long that he has little recollection of his native Germany. He is thoroughly American and a typical Californian. Ever since attaining his majority he has been a member of the Republican party. This party, recognizing his sterling worth and desiring his services in local legislation, has at different times nominated him to important of- fices. As their standard-bearer he has made for himself hosts of friends and well-wishers. In 1889-90 he served as a member of the city council from the ninth ward. During 1893 and 1894 he served as fire commissioner and for the following two years he was police commissioner. In 1896 he was elected to represent the second district on the county board of supervisors for a term of four years. In this position, as in all others he has held, he has received warm commendation from men of both parties for his determined efforts to aid in securing economic administrations in every official department.

July 28, 1880, Mr. Wirsching married Miss Carlotta Valencia, who was born on the Los Felix ranch near this city and taught school in Los An- geles county for a number of years prior to her marriage. They have four children: Rose, Rob- ert. Carl and Ernest.

Fraternally Mr. Wirsching is connected witlı the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Foresters and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In the

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Foresters he holds office as chief major-general, wife of Richard Ashton, both of Pipestone, which is one of the most important positions in the entire order.

In closing it may be said of Mr. Wirsching that his success is due to his unaided efforts. He began life in humble circumstances, but steadily, step by step, he won his way to a posi- tion of honor in business and in public life, af- fording by his life a fitting example of what our country offers to a man of energy and deter- mination.

OLOMON HUBBARD, a late well-known citizen of the Azusa valley, was a native of Beaufort county, N. C., and was born August 31, 1830. On his father's side he was of English parentage. With his parents he moved to Indiana at an early age. When quite a small boy he was left an orphan and was then taken into the home of a Quaker family near Richmond, Ind. When a youth he received the rudiments of a public school education, and when he was large enough to work he secured employment at $6 per month. By the time he had attained his eighteenth year he had sufficient funds to assist him in paying his expenses at a large boarding school for boys, which he attended for two years. The education thus obtained has since been sup- plemented by extensive reading and practical ex- perience.

After leaving the boarding school Mr. Hubbard went to Cass county, Mich., and began farm pur- suits, at which he was successful. Subsequently he moved to Jo Daviess county, Ill., and there successfully engaged in agriculture. Later, how- ever, he moved to Grundy county, Iowa, where at one time he owned twenty-six hundred acres of land. There he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and also gave considerable atten- tion to purchasing railroad, government and other lands. From there he moved to Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, Iowa, in 1873, con- tinuing the same occupation in the latter county that he had previously followed with success. In 1885 he came to California and made some in- vestments in and near Los Angeles, which proved profitable.

Mr. Hubbard was twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary Ratcliffe, of Indiana, and she bore him four children: Joseph R., and Eva L.,

Minn .; and Edward S. and William E., of Salt Lake City, Utah. His second marriage was to Mrs. E. P. Overman, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a domestic man and a kind and loving hus- band and father. Politically he was a stanch Republican and public-spirited. He was a strong advocate of the public school and, in fact, favored anything to improve his locality. With- out aid from others he made his way through life, gaining and retaining the esteem and confi- dence of all who knew him.

When Mr. Hubbard settled on his place in the Azusa valley it was practically in a primitive condition. Through his management it became a fine orange ranch. It is known as Arbor Lodge, taking its name from the trees that form an arbor. Arbor Lodge contains forty acres and is one of the finest rural homesteads in the valley.

Mr. Hubbard died April 27, 1900, respected by all who knew him. He was interred in Ross- dale Cemetery, Los Angeles.

One of his strongest personal traits was his keen interest in young men who were struggling along in life, trying to get a foothold in a business or profession. Many a young man he materially assisted in getting a start, and in helping others to help themselves he showed himself to be a practical philanthropist. He was well known for his integrity, and his word was considered as good as his bond.

12 AVID KUNS. The prosperity of Lords- burg College has been noticeably promoted through the connection therewith of Mr. Kuns, who is its vice-president and a member of its board of directors. The cause of education has 110 champion more earnest than he. Realizing the value of a thorough education, he has la- bored to secure for the youth of this locality and generation advantages which in his own boy hood were unknown. A resident of Lordsburg since 1891, Mr. Kuus was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, March 23, 1820, a son of John and Han- nah (Wolf) Kuns, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction.

In 1827 the Kuns family moved from Ohio to Indiana and settled in Carroll county, of which they were pioneers. It was in a log-cabin schoolhouse in that county that David Kuns

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gained a rudimentary education. During the winter he attended school, but in the summer his help was needed on the farm, which had to be cleared, improved and cultivated. For years he followed agriculture, and for a time he also shipped grain.

While living in Indiana, February 5, 1845, he married Margaret S. Lamb, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, May 15, 1829, a daugh- ter of Elliott and Margaret (Roberts) Lamıb, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Vir- ginia. Her paternal ancestors were English. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Kuns is Henry L. Kuns, who is engaged in horticultural pursuits in the San Joaquin valley, California.

The year 1853 found Mr. Kuns and his family settled in Macon county, Ill., but in a short time he moved to Piatt county, the same state, where for many years he engaged in farming in Willow Branch township. For more than twenty years he carried on a large business in the buying and shipping of grain in connection with agriculture. While retaining his interests in that county he came to California in 1891 and invested in prop- erty at Lordsburg. A founder of Lordsburg College, he has been a steadfast and liberal con- tributor to its support and a promoter of its wel- fare, and at the same time other educational and philanthropic enterprises have had the impetus of his encouragement.

D HARLES M. WRIGHT. In the course of his long life, the greater part of which has been passed in California, Mr. Wright has won and maintained a reputation for integrity, enterprise and wise judgment. He had wit- nessed the development of the state, the growth of its influence, the enhancement of its resources and the broadening of its power as a common- wealth. He is regarded as an able financier and a successful agriculturist. During much of the time he has lived in Southern California he has devoted histime to agricultural pursuits, and since 1876 he has occupied and owned a ranch at Spa- dra. At this writing he owns a one-third interest in a ranch of ninety-five hundred acres used for farming and grazing purposes, the firm of Lynch & Wright being owners of the tract.

In Colchester, Vt., Mr. Wright was born

April 26, 1836, a son of Nelson and Mary Wright, natives of Vermont and descendants of Puritan stock. His great-grandfather Wright was a Rev- olutionary soldier from New England. The boy- hood years of our subject were passed unevent- fully, his time being divided between work on the home farm and attendance at local schools. In his early youth he was fired with a desire to seek his fortune in the far west, California being the goal of his ambition. In 1859 he started for the Pacific coast, making the trip from New York via the Isthmus of Panama, and landing in San Francisco in July of that year. Thence he came to Los Angeles, where for some eight years he was employed by Tomlinson & Co., forwarding commission merchants. Subsequently for several years he engaged in the stage driving business, having a route between Los Angeles and San Diego. On abandoning that occupation he set up as a ranchman on his present land, since which time he has given his time to agricultural pursuits.

Among the pioneers of Southern California Mr. Wright is known and honored, and his name appears on the membership roll of pioneers of Los Angeles county. He is one of the men to whom the present generation owes a debt of gratitude for his work in aiding the development of the resources of this section. His high stand- ing is merited by his long years of business ac- tivity. While he votes with the Republicans he has no inclination to mingle in public affairs, nor any desire to hold official positions.

ILLIAM CROOK. Lying in the San Gabriel valley, near the station of Charter Oak, may be seen the finely improved fruit farm owned and operated by Mr. Crook, a well- known horticulturist, who has made this place his home since 1894. The homestead consists of twenty acres, on which are both citrus and de- ciduous fruits, the former, however, being the specialty. The cultivation of this property, while it has engrossed much of his time and thought, does not represent the limit of his ac- tivities. He is connected with a number of local enterprises, all of which are important as bearing upon the chief occupation of the valley. He assisted in organizing and incorporating the Ar-

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tesian Belt Water Company, of which he is a director. The San Dimas Irrigating Company numbers him among its members. He is also connected with the A. C. G. Lemon Association and the Glendora Citrus Association, both of which are carried on with a view to forwarding the interests of the fruit-growers of the commu- nity.

In Clinton county, N. Y., Mr. Crook was born May 1, 1850, a son of the late William T. and Saralı (Kellogg) Crook, both natives of New York state. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. His education was begun in local public schools and completed in the Vermont Episcopal Institute at Burlington, Vt., from which he graduated with a high stand- ing. On leaving college he began to teach school, and later followed various other occupations in different states. The fall of 1893 found him in California, and at first he made his home at Glen- dora, but in 1894 he removed to the ranch in the San Gabriel valley that he now occupies.

Reared in the faith of the Episcopal Church, Mr. Crook has always been in sympathy with its doctrines and an earnest member of the denom- ination, his membership at present being witlı the congregation at Covina. He is independent in his political views, and votes for man rather than party, for principle rather than organiza- tion. Among his associates he is known as an honorable man, whose integrity of life is worthy of the respect everywhere accorded him. June 17, 1885, he married Miss Martha A. Hawks, who was born in the province of Quebec, Can- ada. They have two children: Ralph W. and Sarah A.

OBERT SHARP. For more than a quarter of a century Robert Sharp has been num- bered among the business men of Los An- geles, and by integrity, courtesy and genuine desire to meet the wishes of the public has met with the success which he thoroughly deserves. From his early youth he has been obliged to make his own way in the world, and the difficul- ties which he encountered along life's journey only served to strengthen and accentuate his sturdy, resolute traits of character.

Born in England in 1852, Robert Sharp passed

seventeen years in his native land, attending the common schools only until his fourteenth year. He then commenced earning his own livelihood, and in 1869 he concluded to try his fortunes in the United States, where he rightly believed that better opportunities were afforded ambitious, wide-awake young men. Proceeding to Sacra- mento, Cal., he found employment with an uncle, who was engaged in the carpet and furniture business. After continuing to work for this relative for some three years he came to Los An- geles in 1873 to take a position with Aaron Smith in the carpet business. He remained in this business until the latter part of 1879. In Janu- ary, 1880, he began a business of his own as a dealer in furniture, carpets and other house fur- nishings. Subsequently he was associated with Mr. Bloeser, under the firm name of Sharp & Bloeser, for a number of years.

Disposing of his interest in that firm in 1889, Mr. Sharp turned his entire attention to the un- dertaking business, and for two years was iden- tified with Mr. Peck, under the firm name of Peck & Sharp. For eighteen months thereafter Mr. Sharp conducted his business alone, his es- tablishment being on Spring, between Fifth and Sixth streets. During a period of three years Dexter Samson was his partner. Desiring better accommodations for the large stock of undertak- ing supplies which he wished to carry in stock, he had his present fine building constructed with special relation to his needs. Situated at No. 751 South Spring street, it is centrally located near the business hub of the city. The uuiform cour- tesy and fair dealing which Mr. Sharp exercises towards the public have led to his present en- viable reputation, and he enjoys a large share of the local patronage.

Politically Mr. Sharp is a straightforward Re- publican, Fraternally he is identified with ser- eral of the leading lodges of Los Angeles, being a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men, the Knights of the Maccabees, the National Union, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Sons of St. George and the Fraternal Brother- hood.

In 1874 Mr. Sharp married Miss Kittie Canl. field, a native of Maine. They have five sons, of whom the two elder ones, Harry and J. Will- iam, are associated with their father in business

ANTONIO F. CORONEL.

MRS. MARIANA W. DE CORONEL.

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and are promising young men. Frank R. is at- tending school at Menlo Park, and the two younger boys, named respectively James Edward and Fred L., are students in the Los Angeles schools. They have enjoyed excellent advantages and are a great credit to their parents.

NTONIO FRANCO CORONEL. During much of the early period of the history of Los Angeles Antonio Franco Coronel was intimately associated with its growth and devel- opment. Being a man of education and experi- ence he was admirably qualified to fill acceptably the various positions of trust to which he was called. A resident of California from 1834 until his death sixty years later, he witnessed the gradual development of its resources and the remarkable expansion of its interests, contribut- ing much thereto by his sagacity, enterprise and thorough familiarity with local conditions.

Don Coronel was born in the city of Mexico, October 21, 1817, and received his education wholly in his native town. Both his father and grandfather were distinguished lawyers. The former, Don Ygnacio F. Coronel, was an officer under General (afterward Emperor) Yturbide. At the breaking out of the Mexican war for inde- pendence he was a member of the Viceroy's Royal Guard, and at once ranged himself on the rebel side, carrying with him the entire guard, which he equipped from his private purse. At the close of the war he sought private life, refus- ing all public recognition of his services. In 1834 he moved to California and settled in Los Angeles, where he established the first school under the Lancastrian system. He died in 1862.

The mother of Antonio F. Coronel deserves especial mention, for she was a woman of remark- able character. While her husband was serving his country as a soldier, it became necessary for her to provide for the maintenance of her family. Accordingly she learned the tailor's trade and established herself in business. At the close of the war her husband returned to find the busi- ness grown to such proportions that twenty-five men were required to carry it on. During the war she performed some astonishing acts of valor. Twice she went into the enemy's camp, once rescuing her two young brothers (held as prison- ers of war) by disguising them in women's

clothing, herself remaining in their place and narrowly escaping execution.

Born of such parentage Antonio Coronel could not fail to inherit high qualities. He was gradu- ated as a physician, but before practicing his profession came to California, his father being one of three hundred men sent by the Mexican government to introduce trades and professions among the native Californians. He assisted his father in establishing the first public school taught in Los Angeles, and, as text books were unknown, utilized his own school books by copy- ing lessons to be learned upon the blackboards. At that time California was an agricultural region only, with few educated men; he, being well educated, could therefore be of great service in his community. He assisted the mission priests in making their annual reports to be sent to Spain and Mexico, and, through association with them, became a stanch friend of the native Indians, espousing their cause and sending mes -. sages by congressmen and senators many times to Washington to establish claims and secure to them just laws. It was through the aid of him- self and wife that Helen Hunt Jackson obtained the chief data for "Ramona," and it was Mrs. Jackson's first wish to take the Coronel home- stead as the scene for the most stirring incidents of her work, but the house of Mrs. Del Valle being better suited to that purpose, it was decided that Camulus should be the home of Ramona, but the plot, of course, was laid many years before the place was occupied by the Del Valle family. When the work was going through the press the proofs were sent to Mr. Coronel, in order that he might revise and correct episodes in which he and Father Yubeck, of San Diego, Cal., had borne a part. He also gave Mrs. Jackson the data for her account of Father Junipero, the founder of California missions, and he was influ- ential in securing the celebration of the centen- nial of that devoted priest's death. Mrs. Jackson continued to be a warm friend of the Coronel family until she died in 1885, and, in the Century Magazine and elsewhere, she bore testimony to their helpful work in behalf of the native Indians. In one of her last conscious moments, in her last sickness, she sent a message of love to Mrs. Coronel, expressing the hope that she might have a happy life.

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An account of the life of Don Coronel would be incomplete without mention of his connection with public affairs. In 1838 he was appointed assistant secretary of tribunals for Los Angeles, in 1843 was made judge of first instance (justice of the peace), in 1844 was chosen inspector of southern missions, in 1846 was a captain and sergeant-at-arms in the Mexican army during the war with the United States, being, of course, on the Mexican side; in 1847-48 he was a member of the body of magistrates, in 1850-51 served as county assessor, in 1853 was elected mayor of Los Angeles, served as member of the city council almost continuously from 1854 to 1866, and from 1866 to 1870 was state treasurer. He was also a member of the State Horticultural Society, the Historical Society of Southern California, and at one time was president of the Spanish-American Benevolent Society. His name was well known throughout the state, and he was a power in the circles of Spanish-Americans.

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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 72

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