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 95
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When eighteen years of age his desire for greater business opportunities caused Mr. Cohn to leave his native land for America. In 1857 he landed in New York. From there he visited in succession the leading commercial cities of the eastern and middle states. His trip to the Pacific coast was by the isthmus of Panama route to San Francisco and thence to Los Angeles by stage. Here he found employment with Harris Newmark as salesman and clerk in a store. In the latter part of 1860 he was transferred to old Fort Tejon to manage a branch store for his employer at that place, which was at the time a frontier trading post. Upon the breaking out of the war between the north and south in 1861, the United States government abandoned the fort as a military post, which wrought such rad- ical changes in the business situation there that Mr. Newmark suspended the business and Mr. Cohn returned to Los Angeles. Soon, however, he went north to Red Bluff and established him- self in the crockery business, where he carried on a successful trade about four years. On disposing of the business he returned to Los Angeles in 1865. In partnership with his former employer, Mr. Newmark, he embarked in the wholesale hardware and grocery business. For twenty years the firm of H. Newmark & Co. transacted an enormous volume of business and became wealthy. 'In 1885 the partnership was dissolved and the now widely known house of K. Cohn & Co. was founded by Mr. Cohn for the purpose of dealing in wool and hides. In 1895 M. J. New- mark became a member of the firm, since which time they have dealt in wool exclusively.
As Mr. Cohn has been prospered he has judici- ously invested his surplus capital in substantial enterprises that have had a material and salutary influence upon the development of Los Angeles. He was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and for a time served as a director of the same. He is a charter and active member of the Merchants' & Manufacturers'
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Association and the Los Angeles Board of Trade. lie started for the Pacific coast. In 1857 he reached Los Angeles county, where for a number of years he was employed at various pursuits, es- pecially in that of hunting, as he was a skilled and devoted sportsman and accurate marksman. Subsequently he turned his attention to farm- ing and by diligence and well-applied energy made a success of the undertaking.
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He is a stockholder and a director of the Main Street Savings Bank of this city and likewise of the Bank of Anaheim. He is a member of the Union Warehouse Company of Los Angeles. All of these institutions have profited by his keen foresight and wise judgment in the conduct of their affairs. He has great capacity for work, tireless energy and an intuitive grasp for large transactions. It is to these admirable business traits, together with his directness of purpose, that his phenomenal success in the business world is mainly attributable.
July 17, 1872, Mr. Cohn married Miss Huldah Newmark, of Los Angeles. They have two accomplished daughters, Rae and Estella, who were educated in the best institutions in this country and in Berlin, Germany, the classical music center of Europe.
Mr. Cohn has taken only a passive interest in politics, either local or national. Up to 1896 he voted the Democratic ticket. He then voted with the Republican party. With his family he affiliates with the Reformed Jewish Church. He is an active Mason and a member of the Society of Los Angeles Pioneers.
OHN AERICK. For more than a quarter of a century the late John Aerick was exten- sively and successfully engaged in agricul- tural pursuits in the vicinity of Los Angeles and the place which he filled in the community can- not be filled. Upright and honorable in all of his dealings, kindly and generous by nature, he readily made friends, and what is much better, had the power of retaining such friends always. Quiet and unassuming, he nevertheless possessed a forcefulness and firmness of character which inspired sincere respect, and "none knew him but to love him, none knew him but to praise."
Born in Sweden, August 22, 1842, John Aerick passed thirteen years of his life in his native land, and then sailed to the United States, where bet- ter opportunities awaited him, as he fondly be- lieved. Locating on the broad prairies of Illi- nois, he remained there for about two years, when the spirit of adventure which prevailed so generally throughout the country at that day, took possession of his ambitious young soul, and
Probably the most important event in the life of our subject was that of his marriage to Eliza- beth Hunter, who survives him, and who proved herself a true helpmate in every sense. She is one of the native-born daughters of Los Angeles, and has never known nor cared for any other home. She became the wife of Mr. Aerick Jan- uary 15, 1870, and to their union nine children were born, of whom two have married and two have entered the silent land. Mrs. Aerick has nobly discharged her duties as a wife and mother, and now is the proud grandmother of two children.
The history of Los Angeles county would be sadly incomplete without due notice of one of its honored pioneers, Jesse D. Hunter, father of Mrs. Aerick. He was a native of Illinois and was captain in the army under command of Gen- eral Kearney, who captured Los Angeles in 1847. In 1849 he made the long and perilous overland journey across the plains to California. At first he settled in Sacramento, but the same year found him in Los Angeles, where he continued to dwell the remainder of his life, He was satisfied that no fairer earthly paradise could be found by him and thenceforth he was a devoted and patriotic citizen of the City of the Angels. His home during all of the succeeding years was upon a ranch bordering upon the present Elysian Park, near the city limits. At the time of his death, in 1877, he had reached the age of seventy-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Keziah Brown, was born in Kentucky, in 1808, and de- parted this life upon the old homestead here in 1889. Of their ten children, six are yet living.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Aerick they removed to a portion of her father's ranch, which tract Mr. Hunter had given to his daugh- ter as a wedding present, hoping to keep her near him. This property, situated near the south- eastern limits of Los Angeles, was greatly im- proved by Mr. Aerick during his lifetime, and to-
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day it is a very valuable and desirable piece of land. Five years ago, on the 5th of August, 1895, Mr. Aerick passed from earth, leaving a multi- tude of sincere friends, who deeply deplore his loss. To his posterity he leaves the record of an unblemished name and honorable career and his children cannot do better than to follow in his footsteps.
RANK A. SEABERT. This representative business man of Redondo Beach is one who has made his own way in the world, relying solely upon himself, and in spite of some ob- stacles which might well have disheartened a man with less fortitude and energy, has steadily pursued the pathway toward the ambitious goal which he set in early manhood. Sterling in- tegrity of word and deed has characterized all of his transactions, and his history presents much of interest and inspiration to the young.
Born in Brattleboro, Vt., in 1838, Mr. Seabert spent liis boyhood there, and, as he was not very strong, he was educated by private tutors. Later he went to Boston, where he continued his studies in the Heathcote school, and finished his literary education in Brown's Academy, where he was duly graduated. Then, putting into practical form a long cherished wish, the young man matriculated in Bellevue Medical College and Hospital, of New York City, but it was not long ere his health failed and he was obliged to return home.
After resting and recuperating for nearly a year Mr. Seabert began upon his long and suc- cessful railroad career by accepting a positiou with the Vermont Central, in whose employ he continued for a number of years. He then was tendered a better position with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and, having accepted it, he made his home in Scranton for some years. At first he was a member of the civil engineering corps of the company, but later served as track master and assistant superin- tendent, and at length was promoted to the very responsible position of superintendent. In the last-named capacity he served for fifteen years, liaving his home in Buffalo, N. Y. He not only became very popular as a railroad official there, but also was highly honored as a citizen, and for over seven years was a member of the board of
education of Buffalo, four years of that period being chairman of the board which had in charge the examination of teachers and other important matters. He was a director of and chairman of the railroad department of the Young Men's Christian Association for six years and a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association of the Fitch Institute, trustee of Calvary Presbyterian Church, president of the Eagle Loan Association, a member of the committee of management of the Fitch Hospital, president of the Western New York Car Service Association, and one of the committee who framed the rules and by-laws by which the association is managed.
The long strain of business responsibility at length proving too great for Mr. Seabert he re- signed his position in 1894 and came to Cali- fornia. The corporation which he had so long and faithfully served retained the hope that he would resume his duties after a period of rest, and for many months they continued to send him checks, as usual each month, as though he still was in their employ. Within less than a year after coming to California Mr. Seabert had so far recovered his health and ambition that he ac- cepted the position of assistant superintendent of the Tucson and Yuma divisions of the Southern Pacific Railroad, when it was proffered him. His headquarters were in Tucson, Ariz., and it was not until about two years ago that he definitely determined to leave the railroad business. Accordingly he resigned, but the company, like the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, in past years, hoped that he would reconsider his de- cision. His record as a railroad man is one of which he has reason to be proud, and, while he was kind and approachable at all times to those who were employed in minor capacities under his jurisdiction, they well knew that their work must come up to the mark in every particular, for he was thoroughly business-like, and exacted the same accuracy and fidelity to the company which he himself always rendered.
Less than two years ago Mr. Seabert pur- chased his present business in Redondo Beach, and has met with success in this totally different ven- ture. He employs five clerks and now transacts the bulk of the local business, as he keeps a full line of dry goods and notions, hardware, gro- ceries and general supplies. His courtesy and
QIm muniful
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genuine desire to meet the wishes of the public, and his excellent judgment in the management of his business, remarkable in one who has de- voted his life to such widely different pursuits, are bringing him the general custom. While deeply interested in the success of the Republican party, in whose principles he always has firmly believed, he has had little time to devote to politics.
Forty years ago Mr. Seabert married Miss Mary E. Bird, of Pennsylvania. They have a son and a daughter, namely: Charles P., who is employed as a conductor on the Southern Pacific Railroad, and Jennie T., who resides with her parents. The family are identified with the Presbyterian Church, and for many years our subject has been a liberal contributor to the cause of Christianity. He hasextended a helping hand to his brother-men upon many an occasion, but his charity never has been ostentatious, and few beside the recipient of his favors ever learned of the matter.
OHN M. MENEFEE. An extensive and prosperous horticulturist, and a business man of sterling worth and integrity, Mr. Menefee occupied a prominent position among the fruit growers of the San Gabriel valley, from the time of his settlement in Covina until his death. He was born September 4, 1843, in Callaway county, Mo., whither his father, Alfred Menefee, had removed from his Kentucky home when ready to settle in life.
Mr. Menefee received excellent educational ad- vantages, and having in his youth improved every opportunity for increasing his knowledge he acquired a familiarity with everyday topics, and throughout his entire life kept himself well informed in regard to current events. Early in life he established himself as a merchant at Calla- way county, Mo., but subsequently removed to Mexico, Mo., where he was engaged in business for many years as a furniture dealer and under- taker. In 1892, desiring to change his occupa- tion to one of an entirely different nature, he came to Los Angeles. Later he purchased the ranch now occupied by his sons. This contains fifty acres of land which was then in its primitive condition, the virgin soil being covered with brush and cacti. With characteristic energy he
began its improvement, and in course of time had the larger part of it under a good state of cultiva- tion, with ten acres of it devoted to the raising of lemons, while the remainder is set out with orange trees. A man of enterprise, ready to adopt all new methods that promised success in his line of business, he became one of the most successful and best-known horticulturists of Covina, and his death, which occurred in February, 1898, was a loss to the community in which he resided.
For a number of years Mr. Menefee was a di- rector, and the vice-president, of the Covina Irri- gating Company, and was also a director of the Columbia Savings Bank, of Los Angeles, a posi- tion for which his large business experience well qualified him. Politically he was a stanch sup- porter of the principles advocated by the Demo- cratic party, and fraternally was a high degree Mason, having been made a Knight Templar in Mexico, Mo. After coming to Covina he united with the Christian Church, of which he was a faithful member.
April 23, 1868, Mr. Menefee married Jennie V. Davis, who was born November 11, 1848, in Callaway county, Mo., and died May 26, 1896, in Covina, Cal. Five children were born of their union, all now living in California, namely: Ida, Mrs. P. S. Thompson, of Los Angeles; Charles, of Covina; Clarence W., of Covina; Bessie, Mrs. Glen Edmunds, of Redlands; and Margery, of Los Angeles.
ARRIS NEWMARK. No one in Los Ange- les stands higher in the estimation of the public than does Harris Newmark, who has been actively associated with the city's welfare for almost half a century. He is a native of Ger- many, his birth having occurred near the village of Lobau, July 5, 1834. His father, Phillip, was born in the town of Newmark, Germany, and when arrived at man's estate he engaged in mer- chandising. He lived and died at his old home in the Fatherland. His wife, Esther (Meyers) Newmark, the mother of our subject, was born in the same locality as was her husband, and she died at the same age-seventy-two years. The parents of Phillip were Meyer and Rose New- mark, both of Germany, where they lived until death.
Harris Newmark, the worthy namesake of a
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worthy and venerated citizen of Los Angeles, was reared in his native land, and when he was only fourteen years of age he set out to make his own way in the world. He was in his twentieth year when he came to the United States, sailing from Liverpool in the good ship, Star King, July 10, 1853. He was tossed to and fro upon the ocean for forty-nine days, but finally arrived safely in New York. There he remained only long enough to get some financial assistance from a brother, in order to continue his journey to the west, where he had determined to locate. He landed in Los Angeles, October 22, 1853, on the ship Goliah. Here he immediately took a posi- tion as a clerk with his brother Joseph, who al- ready was established here in business.
At the end of ten months Harris Newmark had made such excellent progress that he was enabled to open a small store on Commercial street, and there he continued in business until 1862, when he turned his attention to the com- mission business, and this occupied his time for three years. From 1865 to 1886 he was con- nected with the wholesale grocery house which has borne his name and which under his able mail- agement grew within a few years from a small, unknown enterprise to its present proportions. To-day it ranks with the great wholesale houses of the Pacific coast, few, outside of San Francisco, comparing with it in the amount of business transacted annually. Though since 1886 he has been retired from the firm, which now is known as M. A. Newmark & Co., he still stands at the head of the firm of H. Newmark & Co., and has numerous investments, which yield him a hand- some income.
From time to time Mr. Newmark has purchased real estate, and by his transactions in this direc- tion has made a goodly fortune, though he has really given the matter little attention, as his other interests always were more urgent. In 1865 he bought a small lot on Main street, having a little adobe house upon it. This place he made his home for several years. The house was the width of the lot, and as there was no way to get from the street into the back yard, save by going through the house, Mr. Newmark approached a neighbor who owned several acres adjoining his property, with a proposition to buy twenty feet frontage of him for a driveway. The neighbor
agreed, telling him in an off-hand way that he might have it, if he wished, and thus the only cost of the land was for the deed and recording, and lawyer's fee. To-day there stands a sub- stantial three-story building, still owned by Mr. Newmark, the twenty feet obtained as a present is worth to-day $15,000. One day, as he was passing the old city hall on his way home to din- ner, he saw a crowd gathered around the mayor, who was playing the auctioneer, and was just then crying out "Going at seven, going at seven !" Mr. Newmark called out "and a half," and the mayor promptly yelled, "Sold." Indeed, Mr. Newmark was not sure but that he was "sold," for he had not the slightest idea what it was that he had bought, or whether he had raised a seven- cent or a seven-dollar figure. He was informed that he had become the owner of nineteen acres of land, situated to the southwest of the city, and that he must pay for it at the rate of $7.50 per acre. He lost no time in keeping to his side of the bargain, but it was not until years afterward that he even went to see the property, though in the meantime he had been approached by parties several times in regard to the land. One day in 1886 a man came to Mr. Newmark when he was very busy and asked the price of the ranch, and, in an absent-minded sort of way, he replied: "You can have it for $10,000." Very soon the would-be buyer handed over a check for $2,000, "to bind the bargain," and the remainder of the price was paid in due season. He relates scores of other instances of his peculiar experiences in business deals here, especially in the early days of his residence in this city, many of them going to prove that "it is better to be horn lucky than rich."
In 1858 Mr. Newmark married Sarah New- mark, and of the eleven children who blessed their union two sons and three daughters are yet living. One son is prominently connected with the wholesale grocery house of M. A. Newmark & Co., which his father founded, and the other son is still attending school. With the exception of the latter, all of our subject's children are mar- ried, and he has nine grandchildren. All of the members of the family are very highly esteemed in social circles and possess the friendship and genuine regard of all who know them.
For many years Mr. Newmark was the presi-
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dent of the Hebrew Congregation, and for years he served as one of the trustees of the organiza- tion. Since 1856 he has been identified with the Masonic order, his membership having been with Lodge No. 42 during this long period. He pos- sesses a kindly nature and lias been instrumental in the uplifting and cheering of inany a fellow- traveler along life's highway.
® HARLES EDWARD HUBER. The Huber family has been very prominently connected with the development of Los Angeles since the time when it was an unpromising, straggling adobe village with very few inhabitants, save those of the Latin race. Mr. Huber was born in Kentucky, February 17, 1845. His ancestors came to this country from Germany and both of his grandmothers attained the age of ninety years. His parents, Joseph and Appolonia (Gan- ter) Huber, were likewise natives of Germany. The father came to the United States when he was about eighteen years of age, and became a citizen of Louisville, Ky. In 1855 he came to California and at the end of three years returned to Kentucky for his family. They proceeded to New York City in May, 1859, and made the journey to the Pacific coast by way of the isth- mus of Panama. The father, who was financially interested in vineyards and wine manufacture here, died in Los Angeles in August, 1864. The Huber tract, named for him, and situated on Broadway, increased materially in value while it was in his possession. He served as a member of the city council for two years and won the high regard of the entire community. His widow, who had come to this country with her parents when she was young, died at her home here when she was in her eighty-third year. Of their eight children, three are yet living. One son, Jo- seph, was employed in the county clerk's office in this county for a number of years and also was the efficient county treasurer for some time. He was a prominent business man and for several years was bookkeeper in the Hellman Bank of Los An- geles. The family has been identified with the Catholic Church for generations, and to its work each member lias liberally contributed.
C. E. Huber was a youth of about fifteen years when he made the long and eventful journey to
the Pacific slope, from his old home in the Blue Grass state. Those were the days when men's souls were tried and when speedy justice often was meted out with scant ceremony. While go- ing from Aspinwall to Panama, at the isthmus an old Californian was stabbed by a ruffian and though at first it was strongly urged that he should be hauged at once, the witnesses of the tragedy finally agreed to give him a trial. The sentence of the hardened man was death, and the crowd took the rope which was around our sub- ject's box and tied the murderer, who, according to the verdict, was to be shot at the end of nine days. Of a gang comprising seventy-five of the worst types of the border ruffian this one seemed to be the most hardened and desperate.
Landing in San Pedro, C. E. Huber and the other members of the parental family soon made plans to continue their trip to Los Angeles, where they arrived July 17, 1859. For many years he has been actively associated with the real estate and building interests of this city and for a quar- ter of a century he made his home on Broadway, between Eighth and Ninth streets, this being the first house erected on Broadway near that place. For about one decade he was extensively inter- ested in the raising of fruit and other products. He then was in the employ of the American Bak- ing Company for a year. His financial and ex- ecutive ability coming to the notice of some of the public officials, he was appointed by the sher- iff to the management of a bankrupt stock of goods, and for seven years worked under the or- ders of Sheriffs Mitchell, Rowland and Currier. His father had been a campaign speaker of no small ability and influence, working for the suc- cess of the Democratic party, and his sons fol- lowed in his footsteps. Our subject was elected a councilman in Los Angeles, the first Democrat chosen from the old third ward, and subsequent- ly was a candidate for the council from the fourth ward. For the past three years he has been in charge of the Currier block, and for over twelve years has been agent for the property next to the Wilcox building, a block on Main street and property on South Hill street and Broadway. All of this is improved and valuable property, yield- ing a large income. He is enterprising in all of his business dealings and stands well in the es- teem of the general public.
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When he was in his thirtieth year Mr. Huber married Miss Margaret Brass, the ceremony tak- ing place February 2, 1873. She died within five years and left two children, another having died in infancy. Mary Louise, a lady of good educational attainments, is employed as a teacher in the city schools, and Margaret G. resides at home.
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