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 79
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Dodge county, Wis., and died in Los Angeles county, Cal., in 1891, leaving four children, viz .: Jessie M., James R., Vernie and Helen.
For a number of years Mr. Douglas had charge of the homestead on which he had been reared, and in its management the years were busily and prosperously passed. However, the climate of Wisconsin, with its long, cold winters, proved each year more trying, and he finally resolved to settle in Southern California. In 1885 he came tothis state, and after two years in Pasadena established his home near Lordsburg, at Laverne. During his two years in Pasadena he wasengaged in the real-estate business, and built eight or more houses there. At the same time he bought and sold sash, doors and glass, and was a member of the firm of Douglas & Wilton, dealers in glass and wood. For three years he held office as deputy county assessor of this county, in which position, as in all he has held, he showed the ut- most fidelity to every interest and the most un- wavering integrity of character.
M ICHAEL N. OVERHOLTZER, the second son of the late Samuel A. Overholtzer, was born September 3, 1864, in Nevada, while his parents were traveling from Carroll county, Ill., to Sacramento county, Cal. His boyhood years were principally passed in San Joaquin county, and there the rudiments of his education were secured, but later he was sent back to the old home in Illinois and attended Mount Morris College at Mount Morris. Returning to Cali- fornia, he began to assist his father on the home ranch. In August, 1886, he came from San Joaquin county to Covina, of which he was one of the very earliest settlers, there being but one house in the town at the time of his arrival. He has witnessed the development and growth of the place and has himself done much pioneer work in connection therewith. He personally set out the first orange trees ever planted on the 'Overholtzer ranch, owned by his father. He was the first of the family to come to this locality and his reports were so favorable that the others were induced to follow him here. Their presence and activity in local affairs have made them a valnable addition to the citizenship of the place. They have ever been alert in promoting needed
reforms or instituting practical changes. They have fostered educational, religious and philan- thropic, as well as horticultural interests, and have been especially active in the German Baptist Church, of which they are members.
By the marriage of our subject to Miss Angeline Bollinger, a native of Ohio, he has five sons now living, namely: Theodore A., Albert J., John M., Andrew F. and Henry J.
The Covina Citrus Association numbers Mr. Overholtzer among its members. Other well- known enterprises have received his encourage- ment and assistance, and, all in all, he has proved himself a reliable and intelligent citizen.
EORGE G. MATHEWS, whose home is in the Azusa valley, is of English descent. He is the son of Daniel and Mary P. (Bouton) Mathews, natives of the state of New York, and both persons of sterling worth and in- tegrity. He was born June 7, 1840, in Jersey City, N. J., where he lived until the removal of his parents to Racine county, Wis., in 1843. At that time the region was crude and undeveloped, . and the territory sparsely settled and little known. In the early years of childhood and youth he de- voted his time to agriculture and to rendering himself generally useful on the farm. His educa- tion was obtained in common schools, where he applied himself with diligence and assiduity to the acquiring of knowledge, and reaped as a re- ward the success that comes to every true worker, avoiding any deflection from the line of justice and right.
After attaining his majority Mr. Mathews chose as a means of livelihood the carpenter's trade, which he pursued for several years, but later he became a drug clerk, as well as clerk in the postoffice at Burlington, Wis., where he en- joyed the confidence and respect of the commu- nity. Becoming tired of that occupation, which was too confining for one of his active nature, he again turned to agriculture, pursuing general farming and stock-raising, which continued to occupy his time until 1891. He then turned his footsteps toward the west and removed to Cali- fornia, settling on a ranch in the Azusa valley. After establishing himself he directed his atten- tion to horticulture, especially to raising oranges.
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His promptitude, energy and decision have en- abled him to force his way through numerous irksome and dry details, and carried him onward until he has reached a large degree of success and prosperity, and has made his ranch practically what it is to-day. Heis a member of the A.C.G. Citrus Association.
In 1896 Mr. Mathews married Mrs. Sarah Thurston, a native of New Brunswick. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Heis ex- tensively and favorably known to the business men of this vicinity, is public-spirited and enter- prising, and, as he has lived not alone for lıim- self, but also for the good he might accomplish, he enjoys the esteem and good-will that he merits from his neighbors and fellow-men.
HARLES C. WARREN. A resident of California from his earliest recollection, Mr. Warren has witnessed the development of the state and has himself been a factor in its growth and progress. No one feels a deeper in- terest than he in the welfare of the common- wealth. Since 1896 he has made his house about three miles east of Glendora, where he owns a ranch of one hundred and twenty-five acres, about forty acres of the land being under fruit culture, while the balance is devoted to general farming. He also owns twenty acres of land under horticulture, situated at Cucamonga, this state.
In Portland, Me., Mr. Warren was born No- vember 9, 1859, a son of Charles D. and Susan B. (Barbour) Warren, natives of Maine, and the former of English descent. In December, 1862, the family, consisting of father, mother and two sons, took passage at New York City on a steamer bound for Nicaragua. They crossed the isthmus at that point and then took a steamer for San Francisco, where they arrived after a tedious voyage. The most eventful incident of the trip was the breaking of the shaft off Cape Hatteras, which delayed the ship for many days. After residing in 'Frisco for a time they removed to Healdsburg, Sonoma county, but afterward returned to their former home in San Francis- co, thence went to Stockton, where our subject reached years of majority and resided for a num- ber of years. His father was a druggist by oc-
cupation and followed that business until his death, which occurred in 1867; his widow, who was born in 1830, is still living and makes her home with her son Charles.
In the various removals of his parents our sub- ject accompanied them, and attended the schools of the towns where they resided. When fourteen years of age he began to work for himself, since which time he has worked his way forward to the possession of a competence. At the age of eighteen, in partnership with his brother, Henry M., he purchased eighty acres of land near Stockton, and there engaged in raising wheat and in other farm pursuits, the two continuing together for some time. In 1883 he came to Los Angeles county and settled in Pomona, where he made his home for seven years. He then re- moved to Cucamonga, making that his home and horticulture his occupation. From there, in 1896, he removed to Glendora, where he now owns the old Joy ranch, one of the oldest and best known in the Glendora valley. He married Miss Minnie Horn, near Stockton, Cal., and they became the parents of five children, namely: Leslie A., Herbert C., Mavro, Hal and Chester, the latter deceased.
The educational interests of his community are the objects of solicitude on the part of Mr. Warren. He is a friend of the public-school system and has served as trustee of the Alosta school district in which he lives. His political sympathies are toward the principles of the Re- publican party, which ticket he votes in national issues, but in local matters he votes rather for the man than the party and maintains an inde- pendence of views and action.
IELS P. JOHNSON, who has made his home in Pomona since 1883 and is engaged in horticultural pursuits here, was born in Denmark February 3, 1843. He grew to man- hood in the land of his birth. In 1866 he crossed the ocean to America, taking passage via steamer from Liverpool to New York and spending one week on the water. From New York he pro- ceeded direct to Chicago, but spent only a short time in that city. Going to Wisconsin, he se- cured employment there. Six years later, how- ever, he went still further west, settling in
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Franklin county, Iowa, where he began farm pursuits. He was economical and persevering, and slowly, but surely, he gained the success for which he was striving. On first coming to this country he had many disadvantages to impede his progress. One of these was his lack of knowledge of the English language, for, although he had received an excellent Danish education, his knowledge of English was limited, and it was some years before he acquired familiarity with our language and customs. He is a typical representative of those steady, industrious Danes, who seek a home in the United States and undergo many hardships and conquer many ob- stacles before they achieve the independence they had sought.
In 1881 Mr. Johnson left Iowa and came to California. At first he settled near San Francisco, but in 1883 he came to Pomona and began the work of a horticulturist, making a specialty of oranges. He is well informed concerning citrus fruits, and having made a study of them is able to conduct his orchard judiciously and success- fully. Fraternally he is counected with the Odd Fellows' lodge in Pomona. He is not active in politics, but during his residence in Iowa espoused the cause of the Republicans and has since favored their principles.
The marriage of Mr. Johnson united him with Miss Anna M. Lasson, a native of Denmark. They have an only son, John C., an enterprising and rising young business man of Pomona, in whose success his parents take the deepest in- terest.
ENRY H. WILLIAMS. Not a few of the residents of California are veterans of the Civil war. At the time that fierce struggle opened Mr. Williams was a young man living in Iowa. When the first calls came for volunteers he resolved to offer himself to his country, and, as soon as possible he volunteered in the Union army. His name was enrolled in Company G, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, October 9, 1861. At first he served as a bugler, but at the time of his discharge he held the rank of corporal. With his regiment he went to the front. He took part in the memorable engagements of Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing. During the latter con- flict he was taken prisoner by the Confederates,
who confined him, successively, in various well- known southern prisons. At last, however, lie was paroled and later exchanged. He rejoined his regiment in time to take part in Sherman's great Meridian raid and in the Red river cam- paign, which ended in the pursuit of General Price's command in Missouri. At the expiration of his term of service he was honorably dis- charged, in October, 1864, with a record whichi speaks volumes for his patriotism and loyalty.
Mr. Williams was born in Miami county, Ohio, December 9, 1837, a son of George S. and Maria (Long) Williams, natives of Ohio. In 1853 he accompanied his father to Tama county, Iowa, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and also in saw and grist milling. Afterward he con- ducted a mercantile store at Belle Plaine, Iowa, where he remained until his removal to Pomo- na, Cal., in 1883. October 28, 1866, he married Caroline R. Prill, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Prill, natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Their family consists of two daughters, both living in Pomona, one the wife of W. S. Bailey and the other the wife of J. J. Henry.
In Grand Army matters Mr. Williams main- tains a constant interest. He is a member of Vicksburg Post in Pomona, and has twice been honored by election as its commander. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Po- mona. In politics he is a Republican. The Pomona Fruit Growers' Exchange numbers him among its representative members. He and his wife are among the most respected residents of Pomona, where they are living in confort, enjoy- ing the fruits of lives spent in usefulness and integrity.
LBERT G. DAVIS. Years of activity in kindred occupations have given Mr. Davis an experience and a knowledge that enables him to successfully prosecute the work of a wal- nut and orange-grower. In 1895 he came to Cal- ifornia, and five years later (January, 1900) he settled upon a ranch of twenty-three acres near Downey, where he has since made his home, giv- ing his attention closely to a careful supervision of the land and its improvement.
Descended from good old colonial stock, and a grandson of Jolın Davis, a Revolutionary soldier
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under General Washington, the subject of this article was born in Montgomery county, Ky., Marclı 18, 1828, a son of Simon and Mary (Dooley) Davis. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Missouri, and for some ten years lived at New London, thence going to the vicinity of St. Joseph, Buchanan county, the same state. His education was received principally in private schools in Buchanan county, although he also for a time attended Chapel Hill College, in Lafayette county, Mo. Under the instruction of his father, who was a wool-carder and farmer, he gained a thorough knowledge of both these occupations, but after he was twenty-five years of age he devoted himself to the latter, and no lon- ger engaged in wool-carding.
While living in Missouri, in 1852, Mr. Davis married Elizabeth Monfort, a native of Kentucky. Five children were born of their union, namely: Helen W., who is first assistant teacher in the Los Angeles high school, and who is recognized as one of the most efficient educators in this city; Harry, deceased; Harvey, a member of the Los Angeles police force; Howard, who is superin- tendent of a large mill and lumber concern in Carter county, Mo .; and Robert L., who is his father's assistant in the management of the home ranch.
After his marriage Mr. Davis moved to Mills county, Iowa, but soon afterward went to Cass county, Neb., where he settled on a farmi and engaged in farming for ten years. His next lo- cation was Idaho City, Colo., but his residence there was of brief duration. Returning to Ne- braska, he resumed farming. Soon, however, he moved to the vicinity of Kansas City, Mo., and embarked in market gardening and dairying, which he continued successfully for twenty years. His proximity to Kansas City gave him a mar- ket for all of his products, and he had no trouble in disposing of all that he raised, and at fair prices. On selling out his garden he removed to Kansas, and engaged in farming near Lawrence, from which place he came to Southern California in 1895. His success in life is due to his energetic efforts. He had no one to aid him in getting a start in life, but earnestly worked his way for- ward, until now he has an assured position. Having given his attention closely to personal affairs, he has not mingled in politics and has
never sought office. In politics he supports Dem- ocratic principles. He is a man who justly holds a high position in the community where he lives, and is honored and esteemed for his recognized worth of character and long life of business activity.
ERNARDINO GUIRADO. To the resi- dents of the Los Neitos valley Mr. Guirado is well known as the proprietor of the Pioneer store. He came to this town October 24, 1864, and opened a very small mercantile establishment, which he called the Pioneer store. From that time to this, a period of more than thirty-five years, he has continued in business on the same site, and his trade has gradually in- creased until it is now no longer of diminutive proportions. At the same time he is largely in1- terested in fruit and walnut-growing.
When the now flourishing city of Los Angeles was an insignificant hamlet Mr. Guirado was born there, May 20, 1845, a son of Raphael and Vicenta (Urquides) Guirado, natives respectively of Spain and Los Angeles. When a young man Raphael Guirado emigrated from Spain to Mexico, and in 1833 crossed into the United States, becoming a pioneer of Los Angeles. He soon became prominent, wielding a large in- fluence among the Spanish and Mexican popula- tion of this city. His education and culture fitted him for leadership among men, and it was but natural that he should have held a high rank among his fellow-citizens. His only daughter, Maria De Jesus, became the wife of Hon. John G. Downey, who was one of California's first governors.
The education of Bernardino Guirado was ob- tained in common schools primarily, supple- mented by a course in Santa Inez College at Santa Barbara, Cal. In 1864 he removed from Los Angeles to Los Nietos, where he has since resided. He was one of the founders and incor- porators of the Los Nietos Water Company, of which he is now a director. The public school system has in him a firm supporter. He has served well and faithfully as trustee of the Los Nietos school district, during which time he has aided in the building of the Los Nietos public school. No one appreciates more than he the value of a good education, hence he leaves no
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stone unturned in his efforts to advance the in- terests of the schools. Politically he is a Demo- crat. Reared in the Roman Catholic faith, he is a firm adherent of that church and contributes regularly to its support.
By his first wife, who was Miss E. Poyorena, Mr. Guirado had one son, Edward R. His sec- ond marriage united him with Miss Lug, the only daughter of the late J. M. Sanchez, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Frank A. Sanchez. One daughter, Margarita, blesses their union.
Bernardino Guirado belongs to that class of people who stamped the impress of their strong character upon the pioneer life of Southern Cali- fornia. His parents were cultured people, and their influence was felt far and wide by all who came in contact with them.
AMES H. DAVIS. After years of adven- ture as a sailor on the high seas, Mr. Davis came to California in 1859, selecting as liis future home the fairest spot he had seen in all of his travels. Ten years after coming to the state he established his home upon a ranch near the present site of Rivera. During all of the inter- vening years he has made his home upon this place, and is therefore one of the oldest surviving settlers not only of this immediate vicinity, but of the entire county of Los Angeles. Securing fifty-one acres he has given his attention for some years to the development of the property and has brought it to its present high state of cultivation and value as a walnut ranch.
Mr. Davis was born in Steuben county, N. Y., October 14, 1825, the son of Edmund H. and Eliza (Davis) Davis, both natives of New York state and of Welsh extraction. The family moved from Steuben to Livingston county, N. Y., about 1832, and there James attended the common schools of the day and place, which were far in- ferior to the schools of the present age. He can scarcely remember when he first resolved to go to sea. From his earliest recollections life upon the ocean appealed particularly to him and stories of the sea were the ones most pleasing to his ear, while marine pictures, of all views, mnost delighted his eye. When he was fifteen he left home and went to the seacoast, where he was given a position
on an ocean vessel. Beginning in a most humble capacity, he soon won promotion by his obedience to orders, his energy and industry. For five years lie sailed before the mast. In due time he was made second mate and finally became cap tain of a ship in the merchant marine service. He also spent some years as commander of a vessel engaged in whaling. For four years he was master of a merchant marine ship that sailed under the Peruvian flag. He visited many of the most famous ports in the world, rounded Cape Horn seven times, and there is scarcely a country in which he has not cast anchor. His trips to China and the Philippine Islands gave him a thorough knowledge of these countries, and this information has helped him to a thorough understanding of the situations there at the close of the nineteenth century.
When he left the sea in 1859 Mr. Davis came to California. For some years he made his home in Los Angeles county, later was in San Bernardino county, this state, and a portion of 1864 he spent in Montana. Returning to Los Angeles he spent a short time there and then came to the ranch that is still his home. He is a member of the Los Nietos and Ranchito Walnut Growers' Association and takes a lively interest in all organizations for the benefit of the county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Horton, was born in Tennessee and died at the homestead in California, June 19, 1899, leaving an only son, William.
RANK GERLING, an old and respected settler of Pomona, comes of that German stock which has done so much to make Pennsylvania a great state and to populate the far west with useful citizens. He was born in the Keystone state, Berks county, January 27, 1834, a son of John and Catherine Gerling, also natives of Pennsylvania. Until he reached his majority he industriously passed his years work- ing upon his father's farm and acquiring an edu- cation in the schools of his native county.
After leaving the homestead, Mr. Gerling's first experience in the world of affairs was as a brakeman with the Lake Shore Company. He was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad in a similar capacity and subsequently was advanced
Daniel Litter
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to be a passenger conductor. In 1876 he came to California to engage in gold mining at Forbes- town, Butte county, and was thus engaged for several years. However, ill health forced him to make a change of location. He went to Tucson, Ariz., where he remained for four years, being, during a portion of that period, a conductor on the Southern Pacific Railway.
When Mr. Gerling first came to Pomona, in 1884, the town had only a few hundred people, but its advance in population and prosperity has justified the confidence which he then had in its future; and to that growth his practical activity has materially contributed. Since residing in Pomona he has been continuously engaged in horticultural pursuits. He is a Republican in his political belief, and fraternally a Knight Templar Mason. In every respect he has proved himself a substantial citizen.
Mr. Gerling's late wife, formerly Miss Sophia Schroeder, was a native of Berks county, Pa., and her death, April 17, 1900, was deplored by a wide circle of friends, while to husband and fam- ily the blow was inexpressibly severe. The children are Edgar S. and Katie E.
ANIEL GIBLER. Horticulture is the prin- cipal industry of Pomona, and the raising of oranges and lemons the specialty of most residents. Indeed, this statement is true not alone of Pomona and the adjoining villages of Claremont, Spadra, North Pomona, etc., but of the most fertile sections of the entire county of Los Angeles. One of the successful horti- culturists of the county is Daniel Gibler, whose orchard lies between Pomona and Claremont. On this place, which is known as Rosemont, he has made his home since December, 1892, mean- time busily engaged in the cultivation of the land and the care of his trees. He owns ten acres, a part of which is in oranges, the balance being planted to lemons. He has another orchard of fifteen acres of oranges in San Bernardino county, Cal. His methods of cultivation have proved successful, as is proved by the appearance of his land. Besides the management of his property he has been vice-president and a director in the Indian Hill Citrus Union, but at present is not officially connected with the same.
In Carroll county, Ohio, Mr. Gibler was born on the 4th of July, 1838, a son of Daniel and Rachel (Keifer) Gibler, natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared in Ohio, and his youthful years were devoted principally to agricultural pursuits. On reaching man's estate he started out for him- self, selecting for his occupation the one with which he was most familiar and to which he seemed best adapted. For some years he con- tinted to reside on an Ohio farm; but in 1877 he moved to Illinois and settled in McLean county, one of the finest sections for farming in the entire state. There he remained, prosperously con- ducting farm pursuits, and also for five years carrying on a mercantile establishment in Bloom- ington. From Illinois, in 1892, he came to Cali- fornia and settled at Rosemont ranch, where he has since resided. His life has been a busy one, and has been devoted especially to the twin call- ings of agriculture and horticulture, although he has also had other interests, having been, as be- fore stated, engaged in the mercantile business for a few years, and besides this he was for five years employed in the great plant of C. Aultman & Co., in Canton, Ohio. He had always been industrious and persevering, and is deservedly successful.
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