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 98

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 98

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The wife of James Fulton was Melissa Wilson, a native of Indiana, who died in 1876. She was the mother of six children. Ouly two sons are now living; the older, James W., resides at Pomona and has a son, Wiford Austin Fulton. The younger son, Somers B., is county clerk of Sonoma county. A grandson of James Fulton, Frank Logan Bloomer, is a student of the Los Angeles high school. The family are believers in the doctrines of the Christian Church, of which James W. Fulton has been a prominent member for many years and was instrumental in building up the Christian Church of Pomona. Our subject had the distinction of voting at the first state election in California. He has been a supporter of the Democratic ticket, but voted for Mckinley in 1896.

In reflecting upon the advancement of Cali- fornia, Mr. Fulton cannot but compare the present with the past. Fifty years ago mining was the principal (in fact almost the only ) in-

dustry. There were but few towns and the plains were a wilderness. The brave, determined spirit of the early pioneer established respect for law and order. What a wonderful transforma- tion the passing years have wrought! On every hand are prosperous, thriving cities, the abodes of law-abiding citizens, with busy streets, large stores, fine churches and attractive residences. The agricultural regions, too, have undergone a radical change. The wilderness has been made to blossom as the rose. Orchards of orange and lemon trees reflect the color of the gold that the pioneer of 1849 came to seek. Broad fields of alfalfa and barley occupy tracts that do not respond to fruit cultivation. Comfortable homes and a contented people bear evidence to the ad- vance in the prosperity of one of the most de- lightful regions in the world.

ACOB A. PERKINS. The name of Jacob A. Perkins is prominently identified with the growth of the country around Rivera, and although there are settlers who came earlier to cast their fortunes with the possibilities of the new country, there are scarcely any enterprises that have been raised for the advancement of her material interests with which his name has not been associated in some capacity.

A native of Bastrop county, Tex., he was born October 23, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Maria (Ferrell) Perkins, natives of the Carolinas. His father migrated from Tennessee in 1848, and bought his farm in Texas, where he became a prominent agriculturist in the community, ac- tively participating in the affairs of his county up to almost the time of his death, which occurred in Texas. On this farm in the wilderness of Bastrop county, Tex., Jacob A. Perkins early showed a predilection for farm work and indns- triously mastered every detail of the various duties incident to the management of a well- regulated farm. During the winter months he studied diligently at the district schools, thus fit- ting himself for an early struggle for independ- ence. In the spring of 1870 he decided to start out in the world for himself, and to undertake the long journey to California. He was 110t without incentives or encouragement, for there were many from the same part of the country

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who sceuted splendid chances in the far away territory. Thus it happened that quite a caravan started from Texas across the plains and over the hills, mounted on horses which they rode for one thousand and two hundred miles, as far as Omaha, Neb. There he took the train and upon his arrival in California he began working on a ranch in San Joaquin county, where he lived un- til January, 1874, going then to Los Angeles county. For a time he resided near Whittier, and in 1876 settled permanently on the ranch which has since been his home, and where he has so successfully turned his attention to horticul- ture. The home ranch contains fifteen acres under walnuts. In addition, he owns another ranch of forty-six acres near Los Nietos, ten acres being under walnuts.

Mr. Perkins married Jane Passons, a daughter of Oliver P. and Nancy Passons. The sketch of Oliver P. Passons appears on another page of this volume. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Passons, was one of the early pioneers of Los Angeles county, and in her eighty-third year is living on the old Pas- sons homestead at Rivera. To Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have been born seven children, six of whom are living: Minnie M., Maud, Perry A., Myrtle, Lola and Edward L. Walter died at the age of seventeen months.

In politics Mr. Perkins is a Democrat, and has figured conspicuously in several of the undertak- ings of his party. A member of the board of trustees of the Rivera school district and secretary of the same, he has given general satisfaction in the discharge of his duties. He is a member of the Masonic order at Downey, and the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows at Rivera. He is connected with the Los Nietos and Ranchito Wal- nut Growers' Association.

L CLARENCE WEEKS. The beautiful homes of Los Angeles county are the pride of all her citizens; the far- stretching acres of orange groves, bearing the hue of the gold that once led thousands across the deserts to the El- dorado of the west; the long rows of walnut trees or the not infrequent deciduous growths al- ternating with the citrus fruits; the packing- houses that are, in season, filled with the busy hum of many workers; the ranch-liouses, replete

with every confort, and whose fortunate owners, can, "beneath their own vine and fig tree," breathe in the sun-kissed and health-laden air, all this forms a picture that cannot be found, in its entirety, in any other part of the world.

It is said that every Californian delights in horticulture. Certainly Mr. Weeks is no excep- tion to this rule, as is shown by his country home near Alhambra, which bears a fine variety of oranges and is a typical California homestead. The place was opened by him in January, 1877, and under his direct personal supervision has been brought to its present state of cultivation and improvement. During this long period he has witnessed the development of the county, the growth of its resources and the advancement of its interests. Doubtless no one has taken a greater interest than he in its progress along every line of human activity, and he has proved him- self to be a public-spirited citizen in all that this word means. In politics his first presidential vote was cast for Rutherford B. Hayes, but in local matters he does not allow party affiliations to conflict with personal views regarding a caudi- date's eligibility for office.

The Weeks family has been represented in America ever since 1773, when they came to this country and settled in Columbia county, N. Y., where they engaged in farm pursuits. In that county was born May 11, 1820, Dewit Clinton Weeks, father of A. Clarence, and there he was reared. In early manhood he went to New York City and engaged in contracting and building. His ability was such that in time he came to be recognized as one of the foremost builders of the metropolis. Among his most important contracts was that for the famous Vanderbilt mansion, which occupied five years in construction. Dur- ing the Civil war he was in charge of negro refu- gees near Washington, D. C. He had a stroke of paralysis in Florida and was taken from there to New York where he died August 3, 1896. He had married, January 7, 1840, to Miss Elizabetlı Winslow, who was born in Hudson, N. Y., March 19, 1821, and who is still living at the old New York homestead. Of the six children born to their marriage, all but one are still living.

In the city of New York the subject of this article was born June 24, 1854, and there lis education was obtained. At an early age he be-

WILLIAM T. MICHAEL.

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gan to assist his father in building, with which Alfred L., Emeline R., Lloyd L., William F., occupation he became thoroughly familiar. In Edward, Wilfred M. and Clyde R., and lost a daughter, Irene, when she was quite young. 1876, having resolved to settle on the Pacific coast, he left his home and came to California. After a short time in San Francisco he proceeded to Los Angeles county, where he has since re- sided. He was united in marriage, August 18, 1880, with Miss Mary G. Foss, a daughter of Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, of the Methodist Episco- pal Church and ex-president of Wesleyan Uni- versity. Seven children have been born of their union, all of whom are receiving good education- al advantages. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. and Mrs. Weeks are active workers.

ILLIAM T. MICHAEL. In the industry that forms the staple occupation of people in the frost-protected regions of California, Mr. Michael has engaged for some years and with gratifying success. While he had no expe- rience in the raising of citrus fruits at the time he came to the west, yet his energy and adaptability were such that he quickly acquired a thorough knowledge of every detail connected with horti- culture, and he has therefore been able to conduct his business enterprises in a profitable manner. He owns a ranch of thirty-eight acres in the Po- mona valley near Lordsburg, all of which is under oranges in good bearing condition.

It is said, and the name so indicates, that the Michael family is of German extraction. Robert Michael, our subject's father, was a native of Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming and the lumber business in Clearfield county, that state. From there he removed in 1864 to Linn county, Kans., where he still makes his home, keeping in touch with the activities of life in a manner unusual for one of eighty eight years. He mar- ried Emeline Rose, who died in Pennsylvania the year before he came to Kansas. Onr subject was born in Clearfield county, Pa., March 11, 1855, and accompanied his father to Kansas, where he grew to man's estate, meantime attending the Linin county schools. In early manhood he mar- ried Saralı Irene Richards, of Linn county. They are the parents of seven children now living:

During 1874 Mr. Michael removed to Santa Cruz, Cal., where he was employed in a dairy and cheese factory. From there he came to Po- moua, where he now resides. He accepted a po- sition as manager of the old Meserve ranch, com- prising thirteen hundred acres near North Pomona and this large tract he managed for almost three years. After his marriage, however, he engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits for him- self, and through energy and industry has gained a name as a leading fruit-raiser of his locality. While living in Kansas he identified himself with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Blue Mound, that state, and since coming to Cal- ifornia he has been connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Brother- hood in Pomona. Both he and his wife are active members of the Pomona Baptist Church and con- tribute to its maintenance. His tastes have not been in the line of public activities. He isa man who prefers private life and the quiet pursuit of his chosen occupation; nevertheless he does not neglect any duty as a citizen. He keeps posted concerning the problems our government is called 11pon to solve, believes thoroughly in Republican principles and aims to inform himself as to the progress of civilization throughout the world and the interchange of amenities or the stern realities of warfare between the principal nations.

EWIS EBINGER. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by intel- ligence and force; it comes only to the man who has the foresight and keenness of mental vision to know when and where and how to exert his en- ergy, and thus it happens that but a small propor- tion of those who enter the "world's broad field of battle" come off victors in the struggle for wealth and position. As the historian passes in review the hosts of successful business men of Los Angeles county, his attention is called to a gentle- man who undoubtedly is one of the most popu- lar and prosperons in his line of occupation in the city of the Angels, Lewis Ebinger; and, be- lieving that his many friends and acquaintances

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here will be glad to have presented to them a brief synopsis of his career, the following has been compiled:

He is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, his birth having occurred August 30, 1844. His father, Jacob P. Ebinger, was born in the same house as was our subject, and throughout his busy and useful life he was actively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He died on the old homestead in Germany when in the sixty-fourth year of his age, loved and mourned by the entire community. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Miss Martha Elwanger in her girlhood. She, too, was a native of the same locality as was her husband, and her death took place in her old home when she was forty-two years old. She was the mother of thirteen children, all but three of whom survive.

Lewis Ebinger was a child of seven years when he was deprived of his mother's loving care, and when he was fifteen he came to the United States, as he had an elder sister living in Philadelphia. Leaving Bremen, April 10, 1860, on the good ship Elizabeth, he arrived in the Quaker city at the end of a voyage of forty-two days. After spending three years in the home of his sister he was the master of the baker's trade, to which business he had been devoting his chief attention in the meantime.

Though so recent a citizen of his adopted country, Mr. Ebinger early espoused the Union cause, and at the age of nineteen, in October, 1863, he offered his services and enlisted in Com- pany F, Seventy-third Pennsylvania Infantry. He continued in the ranks until the close of the war, faithfully performing his duties, and receiv- ing an honorable discharge when he was no lon- ger needed.

Returning to Philadelphia, Mr. Ebinger re- sumed work at his trade, but at the expiration of six months he started to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, the trip from the Quaker city to San Francisco taking only twenty-two days.

Arriving at his destination near the close of April, 1866, he remained in that vicinity until October, 1868, when he came to Los Angeles. His first employment here was in a brick-yard, for he was no idler, and when he could not find his accustomed work to do he took the next thing

presenting itself. Here he assisted in making the brick used for the construction of the old Pico House. Later he went to Watsonville, where he stayed until 1871, after which he served for two years as a fireman in this city, under ap- pointment of Mayor Rowan. In 1875 he em- barked in the bakery business on Spring street, and at the end of twelve years he removed to his present location on the corner of Spring and Third streets. Here he is now conducting an ex- tensive and lucrative business as a caterer to the leading families of the city and to a fine class of tourists and transients. By the exercise of cor- rect principles, and by his uniform courtesy and evident desire to please his customers, he has won the esteem and confidence of the public, and has made a comfortable fortune.

The Grand Army of the Republic has no more loyal admirer than Mr. Ebinger, who was one of the nineteen charter members of Bartlett Post, of this city. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Red Men, the Bakers' As- sociation, several German societies, and formerly was active in the Odd Fellows' Society. Politic- ally he has been a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for General Grant.

The marriage of Mr. Ebinger and Miss Mina Boshard took place December 2, 1875, and six of their eight children survive, namely: Mina, Oscar, Arnold, Lewis, Estella and Irvin. The family reside in a pleasant home, and the children are being given excellent educational training for the active duties of life.

O. MONROE. One of the progressive citi- zens of Monrovia is C. O. Monroe, who was a pioneer here, and even prior to the laying out of the town was a firm believer in the future of the place, which existed chiefly in his imagination. He was a prophet, indeed, and it may truthfully be said of him, that he "is not without honor in his own country, " and is known far beyond the limits of his home town, and, wherever known, is highly esteemed.

Bearing the surname of one of the noblest fam- ilies in the United States, our subject comes from the same stock whence sprang President Jamies Monroe. His father, Sanders Alexander Mon- roe, was born in Virginia August 9, 1814, and

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the mother, Catherine, was also a native of the Old Dominion, her birth taking place July 6, 1815. This couple removed to Kentucky, and later to Scott county, Ind., and to Iowa. Their six children were: William N., C. O., F. M., E. Lea, Mattie and George W.

C. O. Monroe was born November 13, 1848, in Scott county, Ind. He received a good com- mon school education and pursued his higher studies in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He then embarked in railroading, which line of business he followed in various capacities for some years. He became well known as a contractor, and, in connection with his brother, was engaged in the construc- tion of numerous railroads throughout the south- west, especially in Mexico and California. Thus becoming familiar with the resources of the Pa- cific coast, he concluded to cast in his lot with its rapidly increasing population.

It was in 1885 that Mr. Monroe permanently located in Monrovia, which place he assisted in lay- ing out, planting shade and ornamental trees, and taking the initiative in many important matters, such as that of the construction of the first water system and reservoir. He also was actively asso- ciated with the building of the San Gabriel Val- ley Rapid Transit Railroad, which played an important part in the early days of the history of this section, by competing with the Southern Pacific, which ultimately obtained possession of it. Mr. Monroe was the superintendent of the line at the time of its completion and equipment. Having thus intimately identified himself with the best interests of Monrovia, he was elected a member of the city council, where he remained for nine years, being re-elected time after time. He used his influence in all kinds of improve- ments, the development of the water system, bettering of the streets, the establishment of the numerous beneficial local laws, temperance and other high standards of city government, which have accrued to the welfare of the place, making it a veritable paradise for families. In national affairs he is an ardent Republican, and frater- nally he is a Mason and Odd Fellow.

As he deserves, Mr. Monroe has been pros- pered in his personal interests. His beautiful home is situated in the midst of a large and thrifty orange orchard, and here are grown the fine "Gem of the Foot-hills" brand of oranges, which

are shipped and used extensively in the east and northern states. He possesses ability as an agri- culturist, and everything about his ranch be- speaks the careful attention which he bestows upon it.

The marriage of Mr. Monroe and Miss Sarah Elizabeth Rodgers was solemnized February 21, 1872. At an early age death had deprived her of both parents and she was reared in the home of Robert Metcalf. Three daughters were born to our subject and wife in Iowa, namely: Birdie M., January 10, 1873; Minnie Lea, July 10, 1875; and Edna C., January 31, 1878. Ethel O. was born in Monrovia, January 4, 1889. Minnie L. is the wife of Rev. A. P. Brown, pastor of the Baptist Church of Monrovia, one of the largest numerically in Southern California. The young pastor is extremely earnest, energetic and heart- felt in his noble work, and during the eight years of his association with this congregation its mem- bership has been greatly increased, two hundred having been added to the church rolls inside of six years. In his work here he has found an active assistant in his wife, whose pleasant, win- ning ways and earnestness in advancing the cause of Christianity have won the love of the people of this locality. Mr. Brown is a son of William K. and Frances (Polk) Brown, formerly of Greenwood, Ind., and is a direct descendant of one of the prominent old southern families, whence sprang President J. K. Polk; Col. Thomas Polk, who wrote and read the first Declaration of Inde- pendence at Mecklenberg, N. C., May 20, 1775; and Capt. Charles Polk, who removed from the old estates of the family in Virginia to Kentucky in 1779, and was noted there as an Indian fighter and pioneer. The Polks originally came from Ireland to America about 1660, and received large grants of land from Lord Baltimore. Rev. A. P. Brown was born in Indiana in 1866, and when he was about a year old his father died, his death undoubtedly being due to the long years of hardship and exposure which he had borne as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. Even in his high school days young Brown evinced unusual scholarly ability, and in 1886 he was graduated at the head of his class in the college at Franklin, Ind. He studied medicine in Indianapolis and Louisville, and attended the Rochester (N. Y.) Theological Seminary for a

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period, and in 1890 was graduated with honors in the divinity school of the University of South- ern California. In the meantime he supplied pul- pits of churches in El Monte and Rivera, Cal., and after his ordination, in 1890, became pastor of the Palms Baptist Church, where he succeeded in more than doubling the membership and in spur- ring on his people to the building of a pretty house of worship, which was dedicated free of debt.

From his youth Mr. Monroe has been identi- fied with the Baptist Church, and his family also is actively connected with this denomination. He has served as a trustee, and in other ways has forwarded religious work. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and Masons, and is a faithful exponent of the principles of these great and noble orders.

RED E. TWOMBLY, a trustee of Pasadena and one of the well-known business men of the city, was born in Vermont June 16, - 1864, being a son of Aaron Twombly, for many years a dry-goods merchant and haberdasher of Lyndonville, Vt., but now a resident of Pasade- na. His mother, Mary A. Twombly, is deceased. In the fall of 1875, when he was about eleven years of age, he accompanied his parents to Lyn- donville, and that place continued to be his home for a considerable period of years. While there he was a student in the Lyndon Institute. Later he graduated from A. B. Meservy's business col- lege at New Hampton, N. H. After completing his commercial course he clerked in his father's store. It was there that he gained his thorough knowledge of all the details connected with a mercantile business. The experience thus ac- quired has proved invaluable to him since.

In the fall of 1886 Mr. Twombly came to Pasa- dena. He was a young man, energetic, capable and persevering. With a desire to familiarize himself with commerce in the west he sought em- ployment as a clerk. For one year he was con- nected with the dry-goods house of Cruickshank & Co., of Pasadena. At the expiration of that time he became a member of the firm of Randall & Twombly and inangurated the business with which he has since been identified. The firm continued in existence until January 1, 1896,

when Mr. Randall died and Mr. Twombly be- came the sole proprietor. He carries in stock a full line of hats and haberdashery, and has built up an excellent patronage in the same. He is recognized as one of the enterprising business men of Pasadena and enjoys the confidence of the business men here, as well as the general public.

By his marriage to Miss Laura Johnson, of North Hatley, province of Quebec, Mr. Twom- bly has three children, Ralph F., Bernice Ida and Everett E. In politics he is a Republican. He takes an interest in municipal- affairs, and in April, 1900, was elected a city trustee for two years. Since coming to Pasadena he has become identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order.

ILLIAM ANDREW SPALDING was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., October 3, 1852. When a lad of thirteen years he accompa- nied his parents on their removal to Kansas City, Mo., and there continued to make his home until the year 1874, when he became identified with the citizens of Los Angeles.

Ephraim Hall Spalding, the father of William A., was born in Greene, Monroe county, N. Y., April 18, 1816. When a youth of seventeen years he made his way west, locating for a time at Ypsilanti, Mich., whence he later removed to Ann Arbor. He departed this life in Los Ange- les in April, 1888. The lady whom he married, October 13, 1834, bore the maiden name of Jane McCormick. She died in July, 1895.

William A. Spalding and Miss Mary E. Den- nison were united in marriage at St. Louis, Mo., October 10, 1875. Their union has resulted in the birth of eight children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Jane McCormick, William Dennison, Helen Godfrey, Volney Ayers, Thomas Richard and Mary Louise.

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Historical and biographical record of Los Angeles and vicinity : containing a history of the city from its earliest settlement as a Spanish pueblo to the closing year of the nineteenth century ; also containing biographies of well known citizens of the past and present, Part 98

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