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 86

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 86

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).

Mr. Butterfield married Mary E. Clancy, of Dover, N. H., and of their three children but one survives, Edward C., who is living at home. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Butterfield has been prominently identified with many move- ments of his party. While living in Dover, N. H., he served as selectman from ward 2 and as clerk of the same ward, and was also a candidate of the New Hampshire legislature. Fraternally he is associated with the Knights of Pythias at Dover, N. H., and is a member and present mas- ter of Whittier Lodge No. 323, F. & A. M., and is past chancellor of Olive Branch Lodge No. 6, K. of P., at Dover, N. H. He is also a member of the Royal Arch Masons and the Knights Tem- plar at Dover. Mr. Butterfield is appreciated for his many fine traits of mind and character, for his enterprise, liberal mindedness and general interest in the public welfare.

HARLES BRODE. Los Angeles is noted for her self-made men-men who by reason of their enterprise and industry have risen from comparative obscurity to positions of influ- ence and prominence in the city of their adop- tion-and Mr. Brode, a pioneer of 1861, is one of this class. He was born in Prussia, Germany, February 6, 1836. In his native country he learned the trades of baker and confectioner. He was an ambitions young man, aspiring to accom- plish something in the world; and, learning of what he presumed to be better opportunities in another country, he left the fatherland and em-

618

HISTORICAL, AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

barked for Australia to seek his fortune in the gold fields of that country. However, his success was somewhat indifferent. He made a living at the business, but not a fortune. He remained there until 1861, when he decided to try his luck in America, and accordingly came to San Fran- cisco. Thence he went almost immediately to Nevada and for six years worked in the mines of that territory and in Montana and Idaho. In the fall of 1867 he left Idaho and came to Los An- geles, arriving here January 19, 1868. He first took up the occupation of a nurse, and in that capacity was employed among some of the lead- ing families of the city. Later he worked as cook in the old Bella Union hotel, where he remained for eight months.

Naturally of a frugal disposition and habits, Mr. Brode saved his earnings and so became the possessor of money enough to enter business for himself. Accordingly he opened a grocery at what is now Nos. 217-219 South Spring street, under the name of the Spring street store. The new business venture prospered, and its owner proved a successful merchant. For upwards of twenty years he continued in business, until he was visited by a disastrous fire, which burned his entire establishment to the ground. However, being a judicious and cautious business man, he was fairly well insured and sustained but a nomi- nal loss. Soon thereafter he erected a substan- tial business block on the same site, and this building he has since rented, having himself re- tired from active business. He possesses those natural traits that characterize all successful busi- ness men. His early life was such as to impress upon his mind the value of money, and the suc- cess lie has attained is due to his industry, econ- omy and energy.

Mr. Brode has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married in Los Angeles in 1863, died in 1872, leaving two daughters: Emma, who is now the wife of Theodore Freese, a wine merchant; and Louise, widow of Henry Burning, who was a wholesale wine merchant. By lis second marriage, which took place in 1873, Mr. Brode has four children: Alexander C., Walter C., Leon C. and Hilda C., all at home, the fani- ily occupying a beautiful residence at No. 1229 South Olive street.

In fraternal relations Mr. Brode is connected

with the Turners and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been an active member of the chamber of commerce. With other pioneers he takes a warm interest in the work of the Los Angeles County Society of Pioneers and is a reg- ular member of the organization. He is a genial, courteous gentleman and a popular citizen.

ILLIAM H. CARPENTER. Among the highly esteemed citizens and pioneers of Compton none occupies a more distinctive place than William H. Carpenter, who dates his residence here back to 1877. He is a native of Utica, N. Y., his birth having occurred July 20, 1855. Until he was in his ninth year he lived in the city, and his educational advantages were of the best. He completed his higher studies at the Liberal Institute in Clinton, N. Y., and soon began laying plans to try his fortunes in the west.

Leaving home when in his twenty-first year, Mr. Carpenter came to the Pacific coast, and, set- tling near Bakersfield, where his father had located three months previously, he continued to dwell there until October, 1877. Upon leaving there he came to Compton, where he has been en- gaged in agricultural enterprises ever since. He is one of the most successful ranchmen of Los Angeles county, and has won his way to wealth and an influential position by honest industry and sound judgment and business sense. For some fifteen years he has owned and operated a threshing machine, and for several years he farmed two thousand acres of land in Orange county, in addition to his local enterprises, but five years ago he abandoned that great under- taking. At present he leases and manages two ranches of one thousand acres each, situated about one mile south of Compton, and also owns a large stock ranch of two hundred and sixty-four acres located two miles east of the town. He gives employment to from twenty-five to forty men, and keeps reliable foremen to oversee the special departments of work. He raises some fine graded live stock and keeps everything about his farms in a manner which does him great credit.

December 18, 1881, Mr. Carpenter married Mary, daughter of William Malott, one of the old and honored early settlers of this locality. Six children were born to this worthy couple, but the

619

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD.

two daughters, Mabel C. and Helen L., are de- ceased, the former having died when ten years old and the latter when twenty-two months old. The four boys, William O., Arthur L., Lawrence E. and Raymond F., are bright, promising youths and apt students. The family attend the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Carpenter being a member of that denomination.

Politically Mr. Carpenter is a Republican, and has been sent as a delegate to several state and county conventions. Fraternally he is a Mason and Odd Fellow, in the first mentioned order hav- ing been treasurer of his lodge for the past five years, and in the latter having been noble grand three terms, and at present is serving his fourth termi as treasurer. He has deeply at heart the welfare of his community, that of his chosen state and of the country at large, and strives to promote the public good in every possible manner.

I SAAC S. OVERHOLTZER, who makes his home near Covina, is a member of one of the best-known families of this region, his father having been the late Samuel A. Overholtzer, a pioneer of San Joaquin county and later of Co- vina. He was born in Sacramento county, Cal., October 14, 1866, shortly after his parents had settled in that county as pioneers from Illinois. As a boy he assisted his father at home and at- tended the public schools of San Joaquin county. It being the desire of his father that he should have the best advantages possible, he was sent back to Illinois, where he attended Mount Morris College, an old and thorough institution of learn1- ing in Ogle county.

Returning to California, Mr. Overholtzer per- manently settled in the vicinity of Covina in 1886. He is regarded as one of the rising young horticulturists of the neighborhood. From his father he has inherited the traits of energy and determination that, combined with industry and good judgment, are to their possessor the open sesame that furnishes admission to the select ranks of the successful.

From his earliest recollections Mr. Overholtzer has been a firm believer in the principles of the . Republican party and the doctrines of the Ger- man Baptist Church. Both of these organiza- tions receive his support and assistance, and at

the same time he aids other enterprises and or- ganizations in whose value he places confidence. In 1888 he married Miss Jennie Finch, by whom he has one danghter living, Cora L. Two other children, Ethel May and Charley A., died of diphtheria in early childhood.

& HARLES E. NORTON. Not to every am- bitious man does success come, no matter how zealously he labors and bends his en- ergy to that desirable end, but in the preponder- ance of cases concentration of purpose, when united to integrity and sagacity, will cause the goddess of fortune to smile benignantly. In starting out to fight the battles of life C. E. Nor- ton, realizing that he must work if he would win, resolved to be ready for "that tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune," and his success is now a matter of his- tory, as he is generally accounted to stand in the front ranks of the business men of Los Angeles.

His father, L. Norton, whose death occurred at the old homestead in 1898, was one of the most prosperous and extensive farmers of Lorain county, Ohio. He owned a finely improved homestead there, and devoted his entire attention to its management for many years prior to his death. In his early manhood he was interested in the foundry business, both in the Buckeye state and in the south, thus laying the founda- tion of his future prosperity. For a wife he chose Adeline Matthew, a native of New York state, and three sons and a daughter were born to them. With the exception of the subject of this sketch the children are residents of Ohio.

C. E. Norton was born in Lorain county, Ohio, September 14, 1865, and when he was of a suit- able age commenced attending the com111011 schools. He was reared on his father's farm, and at the age of nineteen years embarked upon an independent career. Engaging in the wholesale fruit business in Ohio, he continued in that line of activity until 1887, when he removed to Los Angeles. Here he became interested in the real- estate business in partnership with his brother, Grover E., but for some time has conducted his transactions alone. He loans money in large and small amounts and carries on a thriving business in real estate in this city and vicinity. Los Au-

620

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

geles has grown wonderfully since he cast in his lot with its inhabitants, and he has great faith in the vastly wider opportunities which are in store for it. He was instrumental in having a number of additions to the city laid out, and is considered one of the most enterprising real estate dealers here. Among others, he subdivided and laid out in lots the Kenney tract of land and the Work- man ranch, now considered excellent residence locations.

In view of the fact that a few years ago Mr. Nortou was a poor man, without capital or influ- ence, his success has been quite remarkable. Energy and correct methods of doing business, absolute integrity of word and deed, have been important factors in his career, and have made his name a synonym for progressiveness. He takes great interest in everything pertaining to the upbuilding of this community, and uses his influence and means for the beautifying and im- proving of the city. In national affairs he is affiliated with the Democratic party, while in local matters he is independent, voting for the candidate or measure which he esteemis worthy, regardless of party lines. In manner he is cour- teous and affable, readily making friends, and, what is better, he has the faculty of retaining them, once made.

A. W. SEPULVEDA. Even the most casual visitor to Southern California becomes fa- iniliar with the surname, Sepulveda; and, if possessed of any imagination, his fancy turns to the past and visions pass before his mind of the period when Los Angeles county was divided into a few great ranches, the proprietors of which were much like the patriarchs of Palestine-at the head of almost an army of servants, whose duties included the care of vast flocks and herds, which were driven long distances at certain sea- sons of the year for pasturage and water. There also recur to his mind many of the stories he has heard of these days of long ago-those days which furnish California with a romance especially her own, of which the fine, though now crumbling, missions are the most fitting monument.

Dolores Sepulveda, the grandfather of A. W. Sepulveda, was one of the old land-holders of Los Angeles county, his vast estates extending along the sea coast from San Pedro to Redondo

Beach, and for miles back into the foothills. Often has it been proved on the pages of history that "envy loves a lofty mark," and, while Mr. Sepulveda was looked up to by the majority of those who knew him, his very prominence was probably the indirect cause of his untimely death. While on his way to Sacramento to obtain a pat- ent to his ranch he was killed by some Indians who had stealthily awaited his coming. Much of his property was handed down to his son, Joe Diego Sepulveda, who was born on the old ranch near San Pedro in 1813. The latter, as he grew to maturity, followed in his father's footsteps as a financier and business man, handling his vast possessions with masterly ability. He owned his share of one-fifth of thirty-nine thousand acres of land in one body, and over the hills roamed his great herds of cattle and flocks of sheep. During the war of the United States with Mexico he was loyal to the country which des- tiny had decreed was to be the victor in the con- flict. Besides contributing generously of cattle and horses, money and provisions from his own private stores, he fought in the American army and materially aided in extending the dominion of the United States to the blue waters of the Pacific. He died on his ranchi in 1869, aged fifty-seven years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife was Maria Desalda, daughter of a wealthy Spanish officer, who lived in San Diego.

On the ancestral estates A. W. Sepulveda was born September 28, 1854. When a mere boy he moved with the family to San Pedro, and there he has spent most of his life. Since he was fif- teen years of age he has practically been inde- pendent, but his father having taught him lessons of industry and wisdom, he has heeded his early training and has been judicious in the expenditure of the capital which passed into his hands at the death of his father. He still owns large tracts of land in Los Angeles, besides property in the sur- rounding country. His education was thorough. He maintains a deep interest in everything which relates to the development of this, the land of his forefathers, where he beholds thousands of thriv- ing people living on the hills and in the valleys that ouce supported only as many sheep and . cattle. In political affiliations he is a Democrat.

The marriage of Mr. Sepulveda and Miss

621

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Maria Ramatlı was solemnized in 1882, and they have one daughter, Eperanza. Mrs. Sepulveda is a member of an old family who owned ex- tensive possessions in California, and several of whose members figured prominently in the Mex- ican war.

ICHOLS MERCADANTE. It is doubtful if there is a city of its size in the United States whose pioneers number so large a percentage of prosperous self-made men as do the pioneers of Los Angeles. To this class belongs the subject of our sketch. He is a native of the state of Naples, Italy, and was born in the town of Sapri, May 1, 1848. During that same year his father, Peter Mercadante, left Italy and came to California, where he remained for four years, meantime acquiring a fortune of about $22,000 in the placer mines of Tuolumne. With this sum he returned home and there remained until 1861, when he again came to this country via Mexico, bringing with him his two sons, Vicente and Nichols, the latter being at the time a lad of thirteen years. The father engaged in wine making near Los Angeles for about six years. He then again returned to his family in Italy, where he remained until his death, in 1878, at seventy-two years of age.

At the time of his father's second return to Italy our subject was still a mere youth, but, being left alone, he was obliged to assume the responsibilities of life for himself. He was blessed with a strong constitution and a brave heart, together with an ambitious desire to succeed in life. He tried mining in its various branches, but with indifferent success. In this way he passed seven years. The Central Pacific Rail- road was at the time in course of construction and he worked for that enterprise. Later he went to the timbered regions of Sonoma county and worked at lumbering. March 15, 1869, found him in Los Angeles. He embarked in the restaurant business on Main street, where the St. Charles hotel now stands. This was one of the first restaurants of the city. Later he con- ducted a fruit store on the corner of First and Main streets, in the J. Kurtz block. In this business he continued for ten years. For the next three years he operated the Queen restau- rant on Main street. In 1894 he sold all his

business interests and purchased the property at Nos. 427-429 San Pedro street, upon which he erected a unique and commodious rooming house, with spacious stores on the first floor. This building is fifty feet long and one hundred feet deep, two stories in height, architecturally beau- tiful and artistic, well lighted and conveniently arranged in its interior. Here Mr. Mercadante resides with his family and conducts a prosperous business. He and his wife have seven children, five daughters and two sons, viz .: Josie, Mary, Tinelli; Nichols, Philomena, Rosa and Edna.

The success gained by Mr. Mercadante may be attributed to his own personal efforts, his indus- try, his temperate and frugal habits, and his loy- alty to his convictions of right. He has the respect of the entire community in which he has so long lived and where his success has been attained.

D HARLES GOLLMER. Much of the civil- ization of the world has come from the Teu- tonic race. Continually moving westward, they have taken with them the enterprise and advancement of their eastern homes and have become valued and useful citizens of various localities. In this country especially they have demonstrated their power to adapt themselves to new circumstances, retaining at the same time their progressiveness and energy, and have be- come loyal and devoted citizens, true to the best interests of their adopted country. In Mr. Goll- mer, of Los Angeles, we find a worthy repre- sentative of this class.

A native of southern Germany, he was born in Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, May 10, 1851, and in the spring of 1868 he crossed the Atlantic, land- ing in New York City. Later in the same year he came to San Francisco, Cal., by way of Nica- ragua, and for seven months he there worked at the carriage-maker's trade, which he had pre- viously learned in his native land. In Novem- ber, 1868; he came to Los Angeles and entered the employ of John Goller, the pioneer wagon and carriage maker of the city, and remained with him for three years, after which he worked for Roeder & Lichtenberger for a time. For fif- teen years Mr. Gollmer and his brother engaged in the same line of business on their own account, and were the first American carriage painters in

622

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Los Angeles. As a business man he has been eminently successful, and by his fair and honor- able dealings has gained the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.

In 1872 Mr. Gollmer married Miss Alice Grabe, a native of New York and a daughter of Louis Grabe. They have four children: Karl, Robert, Minnie and Gertrude. Mr. Gollmer is a Mason, one of the founders of the Los Angeles Turn Verein, and is a prominent member of other German social organizations. He has a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who esteem him highly for his sterling worth.

0 0 AVID MAXIMILIAN RAAB. Prominent among the numerous sterling citizens whom Germany has furnished to Southern Cali- fornia is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is well known in Los Angeles coun- ty and particularly in South Pasadena, where he has made his home for three decades, actively connected with local development and commercial growth, and enthusiastic in his belief that this county will ultimately be pre-eminent among the counties of the Pacific coast.

Born at Wetzlar, near Frankfort, Germany, Marclı 16, 1842, David M. Raab is a son of Philip and Justina Raab, who passed their entire lives in the Fatherland, the former dying at the age of sixty-six years and the latter when in her seventy-seventh year. The most noted of their children was Prof. Henry Raab, a prominent ed- ucator, who was for two terms superintendent of public instruction in Illinois. The boy hood days of our subject passed uneventfully, and until fourteen he was occupied in the acquisition of an education. When he was seventeen he deter- mined to seek his fortune in the new world. Sailing from Bremen and landing in New York City, he proceeded to Illinois. For a short time he remained in St. Clair county, after which he went to St. Louis, Mo. Next he went to south. ern Missouri, thence back to Illinois, where he engaged in farming, and afterward was appointed assistant keeper of a toll gate on the turnpike leading from Belleville to St. Louis.

In1 1863 Mr. Raab crossed the plains to Boise City, Ida., and Idaho City, where he engaged in surface mining for the next three years, but

was not very successful. He then continued his westward journey and, arriving in San Francisco in 1866, was employed in a distillery for two years. In 1869 he came to Los Angeles county and in 1870 to Pasadena. For some years he was with that fine old pioneer, B. D. Wilson, from whom he bought his present homestead of sixty acres, just outside the city limits of Pasadena. Here he has prospered. Under his able snper- vision the ranch has been brought to a high state of cultivation. Few country homes in the lovely vale of San Gabriel are more valuable or attractive.

After having devoted his attention to the fruit business for thirteen years, Mr. Raab in 1888 embarked in the dairy business. In 1891 he began to handle milk and creamery products. Since then the accommodations of Oak Hill dairy depot have been increased year by year. Modern machinery has been introduced. The entire system of conducting the business is unique and interesting. It would be difficult to find a dairy more thoroughly equipped than this. The neat- ness and system which prevail under his strict surveillance bring him many new customers every year. Recently he has taken as a partner in his business his younger son, Carl, a young man of good business ability and pronounced energy, and, as the time approaches when he can lay aside some of his numerous financial re- sponsibilities, it is his purpose to have his junior assume more of the cares of the business. He has made a specialty of handling pasteurized cream and milk and fancy dairy and creamery butter.

The first wife of Mr. Raab, whom he married in San Francisco, in 1868, died in 1882, and of their four children two sons are living. June 26, 1884, he married Miss Augusta Trapp, daughter of Dr. A. H. Trapp, of Springfield, Ill., a pio- neer of St. Clair county, Il1. By her he had four children, two now living.

Since becoming a voter Mr. Raab has been a Republican in national issues, but in local elec- tions he is independent. He believes that the office should be given to the most worthy candi- date, independent of political ties. His influence is on the side of whatever is calculated to benefit the community, regardless of partisan feeling. For several terms he served as a school trustee

b. P. League

625

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and as a trustee of the corporation of Soutlı Pasadena. For both these positions he is ad- mirably fitted, as he is deeply interested in the ed- ucation of the young, the maintenance of the law and good government, and public improve- ments. He is an honored member of the So- ciety of Los Angeles Pioneers.

D RAWFORD P. TEAGUE. As early as the fall of 1878, when the now flourishing town of San Dimas was known as Mud Springs, Mr. Teague, with two of his sons, settled at this place, becoming a pioneer of a new and unim- proved section of country. He was at the time a member of the Mound City Land and Water Association, located at Azusa, which had pur- chased over 4,000 acres of the Dalton homestead at Azusa and an undivided one-third interest in the San José rancho; also the addition in the San José rancho, making 13,666 acres. Tlie corpora- tion made the first payment of $35,000 on the land, and then, within a year after buying the property, went into liquidation. Being thus thrown upon his own resources, Mr. Teague leased a tract of land at Mud Springs (now San Dimas), on which he remained for some years. In the spring of 1887 he purchased thirty acres, a part of the old San José tract, and to the develop- ment of this he gave his attention, setting out a large number of citrus fruit trees and paying close attention to their care and growth. Since 1881 he has been a resident of San Dimas.

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 86

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