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 81

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

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 81

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

As his name would indicate, Mr. Lobingier is of Swiss ancestry. However, other races are mingled in the ancestral history, notably the

Irish and French lineage. His father, Jacob, was a native of Pennsylvania and for years en- gaged in the manufacture of leather at Laurel- ville, that state, of which place he was also post- master and a leading citizen. As justice of the peace he assisted in the settlement of matters of law, and he held other local offices of trust. His death occurred in June, 1887. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania and bore the maiden name of Lillias Stewart. She is still living and makes her home with our subject in Pomona. In their family are two other sons, one of whom, Quincy A., is superintendent of a ranch at Sunny- side, Cal., and the other, A. Stewart, is professor of surgery in the medical department of the Colorado University and also is engaged as a practicing physician and surgeon in Denver, Colo.

Mr. Lobingier was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., July 13, 1859. He was reared in Laurelville, that county, and received such ad- vantages as local schools afforded. During his youth he assisted his father in business, and after his father's death he closed out the business and prepared to move with his mother to California. He has been identified quite closely with the fruit-raising industry in Pomona and is one of the well-known horticulturists of the neighborhood. While he has never been active in politics, he keeps posted concerning public affairs, is con- versant with the issues of the age, and affiliates with the Republican party. During his residence in Pennsylvania he was connected with the Christian Church. He is a man of public spirit and progressive disposition, and favors all enter- prises for the benefit of his community.

RANK RAYNES, manager of the Kerck- hoff-Cuzner Mill and Lumber Company at Pomona, and a resident of this city since 1892, is of English birth and parentage, being born in Nottinghamshire in August, 1850. Con1- ing to America in 1871, he proceeded direct to California, and has resided in Los Angeles county continuously since that time, with the exception of two years spent in Tucson, Ariz., and has been associated with the above firm in the lumber business since October, 1884.

That he left England for this newer land of German. Through his mother he is of Scotch, California Mr. Raynes has uever had cause to re-

576

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

gret. He has become a thorough American in sentiment and thought, still having affection for his native country. In politics he has always been a stanch supporter of Republican principles, favoring sound money, protective tariff, etc. As a resident of Pomona he is recognized as a pro- gressive citizen, having served for four years on the board of trustees and during that time proved himself to be a strong advocate of measures for the benefit of the city. The public-school system has in him a firm champion, for he fully realizes the value of a good education to those who would succeed in life. His long residence in California entitles him to membership in the Pioneer Society of Los Angeles county, in whose ranks he is favorably known.

AMUEL W. ARBUTHNOT. The possibil- ities of life all do not realize. It is therefore especially helpful to study the life of a suc- cessful man, one who has started withont means and worked his way steadily to a position of in- fluence and financial success. Such a man is Mr. Arbuthnot, of Pomona. When he was six- teen years of age he was orphaned by his father's death. At that early period of life he was obliged to begin for himself. The education and oppor- tunities that come to most lads he did not enjoy. For that reason the success he has gained is especially worthy of note. He stands among the foremost horticulturists of Pomona, where he has made his home since 1890. Besides the manage- ment of his orchard and fruit interests, he has been president of the Kingsley Tract Water Com- pany and is now vice-president and a director of the same. He is also treasurer and a director of the San Antonio Fruit Exchange, and a director of the Pomona Fruit Growers' Exchange, also a member of its executive committee.

In Pittsburg, Pa., Mr. Arbuthnot was born October 2, 1836, a son of Robert and Jane (Holden) Arbuthnot, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ireland. His paternal an- cestors were of English and Scotch extraction. When he was about five years of age his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling in Athens county, and remaining there about eight years. Their next removal was made by wagon to Iowa, where they settled in Belle Plaine. There the father died and the son began the

battle of life for himself. He was a young man when the Civil war cast its black shadow over the country. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Twenty-eighth Iowa In- fantry, with which he went to the front. He participated in a number of engagements, among them the battle of Champion Hill, where he was wounded in the left hand. The wound proved to be a serious one and he was obliged to remain in the hospital nine months, after which he was honorably discharged from the service.

Returning to Belle Plaine, Mr. Arbuthnot be- came interested in the grain business there. A short time afterward he removed to Dysart, Iowa, where for a number of years he carried on a grain shipping business. Subsequently he went to Correctionville, Woodbury county, Iowa, and conducted a grain business for three years. Leaving Iowa in 1890, he came to California and established himself as a horticulturist in Pomona. With his family he belongs to the Presbyterian Church in this city. He is a mem- ber of the Grand Army post at Pomona and takes a warm interest in its work. His marriage united him with Miss Sarah A. Hottel, who was born in Bethlehem, Pa. They became the parents of four children, three of whom are now living, namely: Mrs. George H. Hobson, of Pueblo, Colo .; Stata H. and Gladys R.

EORGE W. JOSLIN, one of Pomona's pros- perous and prominent horticulturists and a resident of this place since 1892, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., September 12, 1832, being a son of Samuel and Lydia Joslin, the former of Welsh extraction, the latter of English lineage. When he was six months old his parents moved to Michigan and settled in Detroit, but after a short sojourn in that city went to Oakland county, the same state. In 1842 they removed from there to Shiawassee county, where the father carried on farm pursuits until his death in 1870. From that county, in 1852, our subject went to Saginaw and began the work of a con- tractor and builder. Being capable and industri- ons, he soon had all the contracts he could fill. For some years he remained in the same town, but afterward went to Muskegon, Mich., where he followed the same line of business for fourteen

B.J. Fessler

S. A. Fessler.

581

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. His efficiency as a builder caused him to become well known in his section of the state. In fact, it was through his enviable reputation in his chosen work that he was offered the position of master builder for what was then the Mar- quette, Houghton and Ontonagon Railroad. He accepted this offer and for twenty years gave his attention to the discharge of the many duties connected with his responsible position. On re- signing as master builder, he removed to Cal- ifornia and settled at Pomona, where he has since resided. He is the owner of twenty acres of fruit land, of which three acres are in apricots, aud the remainder principally in oranges. As a horticulturist, he is painstaking and thorough, and the result of his care is that his place is one of the best improved in the vicinity. Having given his attention closely to personal matters, he has not had leisure, even if he had the inclination, to mingle in public affairs, but he keeps posted concerning politics, and votes with the Repub- lican party usually, though inclined to be inde- pendent. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He pos- sesses a philosophical turn of mind and is a logical reasoner, a deep thinker, a close student and an entertaining conversationalist. In religion he is connected with the Temple of Brotherhood, and in sympathy with the teachings of the Theosoph- ical order. By his marriage to Sarah Treherne, a native of London, England, he has one son, Charles T., now in Chicago, Il1.

B ENJAMIN P. FESSLER. In spite of the comparatively brief duration of his residence in California Mr. Fessler has already grasped the intricacies of horticulture, and is intelligently and successfully superintending his orchard of ten acres in Covina. His specialty is the raising of citrus fruits, the most of his trees being oranges of a fine variety.

In Lebanon county, Pa., Mr. Fessler was born September 19, 1836, a son of George and Cath- erine (Phillipy) Fessler, natives of Pennsylvania and the former of German descent. One of the ancestors, Michael Fessler, was a brave soldier in the Revolutionary war, and another member of the family, Jonathan Fessler, served in the war of 1812. When our subject was a boy the schools

were of a primitive character and were mostly conducted on the subscription plan. The advan- tages they offered were meager, but he was glad to avail himself of them, and self-culture has added to the knowledge there obtained.

When he attained his majority he began to work at mechanical pursuits, which he followed until he was about thirty-five years of age. Later he carried on a saw mill in Madison county, Ind., for almost eighteen years, after which he turned his attention to agriculture in the same county. There he continued for many years. Finally, having heard favorable reports of Southern Cali- fornia, he determined to establish his home here, and January, 1895, found him in Covina, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Co- vina Citrus Association, and his interest is deep and constant in matters pertaining to the welfare of his locality and the development of its re- sources.

Throughout his busy, active life Mr. Fessler has had no leisure for political affairs, nor has he cared for official positions, hence he takes no part in politics aside from voting at elections. He is thoroughly independent, voting for men and measures and not for party. He married Miss Sarah Hoffman, of Lebanon county, Pa. Only one child was born of their union, a daughter, Katie, and she died in childhood.

LLEN W. BURKE. Few of the horticul- turists of Pomona have been identified with its interests for a longer period than has Mr. Burke. When he came to this locality, in November, 1875, there were comparatively few residents here. Where now may be seen fine fruit farms, with beautiful homes and modern im- provements, then, as far as eye could discern, stretched a monotonous expanse of plain and valley. He was one of those sagacious, far-see- ing pioneers, to whom the present and future generations owe so large a debt of gratitude. At the time he settled here he was in early manhood, and now, in the prime of life, he is enjoying the fruits of lis labors during the past quarter of a century. He is making a specialty of oranges, to which he has about ten acres planted and from which he is in receipt of a neat income annually. In Jackson county, Ill., Mr. Burke was born

.29

582

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

March 20, 1855, a son of James L. and Margaret (Duff) Burke, natives respectively of North Carolina and Tennessee. His maternal grandfa- ther was a soldier in the war of 1812. When a young man, James L. Burke removed from the south to Illinois and settled in Jackson county, where he cleared and improved a farm. For a time he also engaged in farming in Randolph county, that state. The education of our subject was acquired in the schools of Jackson county. Much of his time was spent in farm work, and while he was still a mere boy he gained a thorough knowledge of agriculture, which infor- mation has been of inestimable valne to him in the kindred science of horticulture.

On coming to Pomona Mr. Burke obtained employment with Capt. A. J. Hutchinson, for whom he worked eighteen months, receiving $40 per month and his board. In this way he made a start in life for himself. His earnings were carefully saved and formed the nucleus used in the purchase of his present fruit orchard. His attention has been so closely given to the cultivation of his place that he has not mningled in public or social affairs to any large extent. Fraternally he is connected with the lodge of Odd Fellows in Pomona. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. His marriage united him with Mary A., daughter of John E. Short, late of Randolph county, Ill., but now deceased. They are the parents of three children, Nellie E., Percy S. and Mollie M.

LLEN W. NEIGHBOURS. Though a res- ident of the vicinity of Downey since 1865, Mr. Neighbours was not then a new comer, having previously lived in San Bernardino since 1853. A native of York district in South Caro- lina, he was born December 12, 1824, and is a son of James and Sarah (Allen) Neighbours, natives of Virginia, and of English descent.

The early life of Allen W. was saddened by the death of his father. When he attained to his fifteenth year he went with his mother and other members of the family to Mississippi, and shortly after their arrival enlisted in the Mexican war. He was for a time under the command of General Anderson, and subsequently assumed charge of the medicine wagon with General Worth's

division, with whom he served until the second day of the fight at Cerro Gordo, when he was wounded and taken to a military hospital. This hospital was called the Castle of Perote, and its gloomy walls witnessed his confinement for sev- eral weeks. He had previously been in the bat- tle of Vera Cruz, but came out unscathed. After being convalescent he served for the remainder of the campaign, and had charge of and drove the movable property of Colonel McKinnister, which also contained the money belonging to the quartermaster's department. He was in the bat- tle of Churubusco and Contreras, as well as many minor skirmishes, and also the capture and sur- render of the city of Mexico. He was discharged at Vera Cruz, and with others was shipped back to New Orleans, from which point he returned to Mississippi. There he remained for several years busily engaged in carrying on his agricultural pursuits and in the cultivation of cotton.

In 1855 Mr. Neighbours took his family across the plains to Texas, settling about ninety miles west of Austin, where for a short time he con- tinted his general farming. Subsequently he became a Texas ranger under Gov. Sam Hous- ton, and put in his time protecting the interests of people living on the borders of the state, who were sadly molested and annoyed by the maraud- ing Indians, particularly the Comanche tribe. For abont six years he served in this capacity and then engaged with the Twenty-fourth Texas Cavalry, C. S. A., under Colonel Wilkes, and was in the battle of Post Arkansas, at which time himself and the whole regiment were captured. He was taken to Springfield, Ill., and held a prisoner for some time when he was released and returned to his home in Texas.

In 1863 Mr. Neighbours crossed the plains with an ox-team in a train of emigrants, facing dan- gers of the most pronounced kind, and located at the end of their journey in San Bernardino, Cal., finally going to the vicinity of Downey, which has since been his home. He was one of the earliest pioneers of the district, and has, during the course of his life here, witnessed many changes and improvements, the credit for which is due in a large measure to his assistance and interest in the development of the latent resources. He was married twice; his first wife, Priscilla Burrow, died in Arkansas. Her three children

583

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were: Mrs. Celia Cheney, Mrs. Nancy Rose and Mrs. Sarah Fuquay. Elizabeth McCann, his sec- ond wife, was a native of Tennessee, and seven of their children survive: James T., a policeman in Los Angeles; William H. and John W., botlı of Los Angeles; Mrs. Mary C. Borden, Mrs. Margaret J. Burke, Mrs. Emma Saxe and David Burrell Neighbours.

In national politics Mr. Neighbours is a Dem- ocrat and interested in all of the undertakings of lis party. Vitally interested in the cause of ed- ucation, he was chosen to serve for several years on the school board as a trustee. He is a mem- ber of the Los Nietos and Ranchito Walnut Grow- ers' Association, incorporated. Essentially a self-made man, he has won the approval and esteem of the entire community for his attitude of enterprise and broad-mindedness as regards matters pertaining to the well-being of the neigh- borhood in which he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Neighbours have a fine ranch of fifty-five acres of land, about twenty acres of which are in wal- nuts.

C HARLES W. BELL. There are very few cities in the United States which, in beauty of location and grandeur of scenery, can rival Pasadena. Nestling at the feet of the snow- capped mountains, the shadow of whose stately heights falls like a benediction upon it; irradiated by the beams of a never-darkened sun and re- freshed by the soft murmur of the ocean breezes, it seems a peerless gem of nature's own setting. At the time Mr. Bell came to what is now Pasa- dena he purchased a ranch which at this writing is bisected by Broadway. The beautiful resi- dences that now adorn the city had not then been erected nor had the drives been laid out; but there was the same sublime scenery as now, the same incomparable climate and the same girdle of mountains with their crowns of snow. With the foresight that characterizes him, he determined to establish his home here, and for the past twenty- three years (since the fall of 1877) he has been a resident of Pasadena, making his home at No. 726 St. John avenue, near the residence of ex- Governor Markhamn.

Mr. Bell is of Scotch ancestry and parentage. His father, Mattliew Bell, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to America in early life,

settling in New York state. At the opening of the Civil war he conducted the old Eagle foundry in Albany, as its foreman, and was a prosperous business man; but, laying aside personal affairs, he gave his time and service to his adopted country, which he assisted in saving from dis- ruption, although it was at the expense of his business, which was lost to him on account of his absence at the front. Entering the One Hundred and Fourteenth Heavy Artillery of New York, he was commissioned second lieutenant and later was promoted to be first lieutenant. While serving in the latter capacity he died in camp, at the time that the capital city of Wash- ington was almost captured by the Confederates. His wife, who was Elizabeth Emma Gage, was a descendant of Revolutionary ancestry; she was born near Cooperstown, N. Y., and is now living in Los Angeles.

The subject of this sketch was the only child of his parents and was born in Albany, N. Y., June 11, 1857. He was educated in public and high schools and a military academy. On leaving home, in September, 1877, he came to California and purchased land on which he began ranching. This place he sold just prior to the great real- estate boom, and after he had resided on it for four years. Meantime he had bought another tract and commenced its improvement. At the time of the exposition in New Orleans, in 1884 and 1885, he was selected to secure a collection of all the products of Los Angeles county and superintend their exhibition in the building as- signed for that purpose. For his success in this work much credit is due him. The exposition was visited by thousands of northern tourists and many of these for the first time had their attention called to the vast possibilities of fruit culture in California.

In 1884 Mr. Bell was appointed assistant clerk of the board of supervisors and later he was made clerk, holding these two offices for some time. Under Mr. Ward he held the position of deputy clerk of the county, and his service in that capacity was so satisfactory that in 1898 he was elected to the office, which he has since filled with efficiency. His election to these various offices has been on the Republican ticket, for he is stanchi in his support of the principles of that party. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Knight

584

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Pythias. At this writing he is captain of Company B, of the Americus Club of Pasadena, a prominent political organization of the county. In 1893 he married Miss Elizabeth M. Dillman, of Sacramento, member of a prominent family of northern California; one of her brothers is cashier of the bank of D. O. Mills, and another is vice- president and manager of the Capital Telephone and Telegraph Company, of Sacramento, Cal.

OHN L. MEANS, bridge contractor and horticulturist, occupies one of the finest resi- dences of Pomona, at the corner of Holt and Garey streets. In 1892 he became a permanent resident of this locality, having for twenty-two years previously been a citizen of Grand Island, Neb., of which he had served as mayor.

A native of the north of Ireland, Mr. Means was born in County Tyrone, April 16, 1840. His parents, John and Madge (Taylor) Means, were also natives of that locality, but their an- cestors were of Scotch extraction. In 1849 the family emigrated to America and settled at Dixon, Ill., where the parents died and where our subject was educated in the grammar and high schools. From sixteen to twenty years of age he was apprenticed to the carpenter's and joiner's trade. Later he was a master workman and broadened the scope of his trade until he be- came a builder and contractor, the specialty finally chosen being the construction of bridges. Previous, however, to becoming a contractor, he enjoyed a thorough experience as a foreman of bridge builders, in the employ of several leading Chicago firms, and became thoroughly estab- lished in his chosen work. The Union Pacific and Burlington & Missouri Railroad Companies awarded him many important contracts, which he filled with credit to himself and the satisfaction of the company; he also constructed numerous bridges for the county and city.

In 1870 Mr. Means became a resident of Grand Island, Neb. In 1892 he formed a partnership with one of his foremen, who had been in his em- ploy fifteen years. The firm of Means & Tully continues to do a large business in every form of bridge building, embracing wood and iron work or a combination of each style.

As an active Republican Mr. Means was

prominent in the political and public affairs of Grand Island. Twice he was a successful candi- date for the mayoralty. He first purchased prop- erty in Pomona in 1888 and four years later brought his family here to reside. He now owns more than two hundred acres of land, forty-five of which are given up to orange culture. As he is also the owner of his own water plant, his ranch is especially complete and valuable; and, retaining, as he does, his connection with the firm of Means & Tully, he is certainly a busy, successful and prosperous man. He enjoys the full confidence of the people of Pomona. The various interests which he has so ably conducted have debarred him from a wide participation in the affairs of secret and benevolent orders, his connection in this particular being confined to the Masonic fraternity.

The present wife of Mr. Means was formerly Miss Laura E. DeMoss, of Central City, Neb. His first wife (deceased) was known before mar- riage as Mary E. Jordan, of Springfield, Ill. She bore him five children, of whom two daughters are living: Madge T. and Jennie L., the latter the wife of Howard A. Broughton, a leading at- torney of Pomona.

C JAY GILLETTE. While not one of the pioneers of the southeastern portion of Los Angeles county, Mr. Gillette has made his home here for a period sufficiently long to prove his admirable qualities as a man and citizen. It was in 1894 that he settled at Laverne, where he still makes his home. He owns and occupies a valuable tract of five acres, which has been planted to fruit trees of the finest varieties, all in good bearing condition. While his orchard is not large, it is one of the best improved in the vicinity of Lordsburg.

Mr. Gillette was born in Lorain county, Ohio, November 14, 1844, in a log cabin that stood near the town of Wellington. His parents were William J. and Sarah (Jackson) Gillette, the latter of whom died when hier son was an infant. His father, a son of Marcus Gillette, a native of the Nutmeg state, was born in Hartford, Conn., and moved to Wisconsin in 1845, settling near Waupun, where he remained for five years. He then went to Jackson county, Iowa, and pur-

Johnstone Jones

585

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chased a tract of government land, upon which he engaged in farm pursuits until his death. Our subject was the oldest son in the family and proved an able assistant to his father on the farılı. A resident of Jackson county during much of his boyhood, he was early inured to the hardships of pioneer life. The schools in the county at that time were very inferior, but he has become well informed by a systematic course of reading added to practical experience.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 81

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