Historical and biographical record of southern California; containing a history of southern California from its earliest settlement to the opening year of the twentieth century, Part 135

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman pub. co.
Number of Pages: 1366

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While living in Wisconsin in 1889, Mr. Jones married Barbara, daughter of John Paulus, the latter born in Germany, and a farmer in Wis- consin. Mr. Jones is a Democrat in political affiliation, but has taken no active part in politics in California, nor does he belong with any fraternal society.

R. D. DOW. One of the most popular, genial, and thoroughly successful ranchers of Gardena is R. D. Dow, who combines the finish and thoroughness of an eastern training with the push and energy of acclimated westerners. Before removing to California in 1888 he had spent his entire life in his native state of Maine, where he was born July 11, 1838, and where he was reared to maturity on the paternal farm. His father, Joseph Dow, was born in Somerset county, Me., whither the paternal grandfather, Chandler, had removed from the place of his birth in Vermont. The father owned and oper- ated a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he died at the age of eighty-five years. He married Margaret Weston, who was born in Maine, and who became the mother of four daughters and two sons, R. D. being the youngest child in the family.

The ranch in Gardena owned by R. D. Dow,

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consists of eleven and a half acres under alfalfa and which is highly improved and has a private pumping station with a capacity of fifty inches. Mrs. Dow was formerly Comfort Willey, a native of Maine, and daughter of Turner Wil- ley, a farmer who died in Maine at the age of seventy-five years. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dow, viz .: Nellie, who is the wife of J. A. Lakey, lives in North Car- olina; Rosa, who is the wife of A. W. Eaton; and Willie Wilson. Mr. Dow is a Republican in politics, and is fraternally associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His home is the center of a gracious hospitality, and he has hosts of friends and well wishers.

W. S. MYERS. The first location of Mr. Myers, on coming to California in 1895, was in the Antelope valley, but soon he went to Gar- dena, and from there came to Moneta, his pres- ent home. The thirty acres which he owns and operates are improved by an attractive dwelling, crected by Mr. Myers, and another valuable im- provement is a private gasoline pumping plant. Of the land six acres are in strawberries, two acres in black and Logan berries, and twelve in alfalfa, the whole forming one of the most thrifty ranches in the locality.

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Myers was Joseplı Myers, a native of North Carolina and a farmer by occupation, spending his last years on a farın in Iowa, where he died. The maternal grandfather, William Wymore, was of eastern birth, and spent much of his life in Iowa as a farmer. For miles around he was known as Squire Wymore, and all respected him for his sterling worth of character. While walking alone one day through the woods he was stricken with apoplexy, and when found life was extinct. W. S. Myers was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, April 14, 1865, being a son of George Washington and Margaret (Wymore) Myers, natives respectively of North Carolina and Indiana. When six years of age the father was taken to Indiana. In 1848 he removed from there to Iowa and bought five hundred and sixty acres, which he developed into a valuable farm. On that place his death occurred when he was sixty-three years of age. As he was about to pass away, he called his two sons and his daugh- ter around him and divided the property among them.

The marriage of W. S. Myers united him with Ada Lena Stevens, who was born in Missouri and reared in Iowa. Her father, Elijah Stevens, a native of New York, settled in early life in Missouri, later went to Kansas, afterward set- tled in Iowa, and finally came to California, where he now makes his home at Gardena. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Myers are Clarence, Ada and Lowell. The family are attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church, to the main-

tenance of which Mr. Myers is a contributor. He is associated with the Fraternal Brother- hood and in matters political gives his alle- giance to the Democratic party, adhering to the faith of his forefathers in this respect.

WILLIAM M. GRAY. Land lying near a large city can always be advantageously util- ized for the raising of small fruit and garden produce, and this business can be conducted with gratifying profits in all cases where the soil is fertile and the expense of transportation insignificant. This principle has been grasped by Mr. Gray, of Gardena, who is an extensive raiser of strawberries. When he came to Gar- cena in 1898 he bought ten acres, on which he erected a cozy and attractive residence and fur- ther improved the property by a private pump- ing plant of eighty inches' capacity. While his principal product is strawberries, he also raises dewberries, raspberries and blackberries, and has a walnut orchard of five acres, besides rais- ing some alfalfa. His own land being insuffi- cient for his purposes, he has a large acreage leased and conducts an extensive berry business, being, indeed, one of the largest berry-raisers in his region.

In Randolph county, Ind., Mr. Gray was born June 14, 1852, being a son of George and Lydia Jane (Macy) Gray, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. The former in an early day settled in Jo Daviess county, Ill., where he bought and improved eighty acres. Somewhat later he set- tled upon an eighty-acre farm in Dallas county, Iowa, where he died at sixty-three years. His father, Nathaniel Gray, was a native of New England and died in Indiana; and his wife's father, William Macy, M. D., was a soldier in the war of 1812. The boyhood years of Wil- liam M. Gray were passed in Indiana and Illi- nois. His education was commenced in local schools and afterward he matriculated in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he hoped to take the entire course, but after one term the condition of his health was such as to render further continuance at study inadvisable. He then returned to Iowa and took up farm pursuits. The year 1887 found him at Elsinore, Cal., and the following spring he went to Fallbrook, where he made his home some years. In 1898 he came to Gardena, his pres- ent home. While living in the east he married Miss Fannie E. Evans, who was born in Illinois. Two sons and two daughters were born of their union, namely: Vernor W .; Eva Myrtle, de- ceased; Erma Garnet and Ernest John.

At no time has Mr. Gray been desirous of exchanging the tasks of private business affairs for the duties of office-holding, and, aside from voting the Republican ticket, he has taken no part whatever in politics. In religion he is as- sociated with the Methodist Episcopal Church

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and a contributor to it, as well as to other worthy movements. The Fraternal Brotherhood and blue lodge of Masons number him among their members. As a citizen he favors plans for the benefit of his town and county, and assists in bringing about their fruition.

REASON MONROE THURMAN. In the vicinity of Pomona the name of R. Monroe Thurman is associated with much that is pro- gressive and prosperous. When he came here in 1887 he established his home on Crow ave- nue, between Garey and Gibbs street, and besides this lot acquired other holdings in local real estate. Yielding to a desire to identify himself with the principal industry of the region he set out fruit trees and has since raised fruit in considerable quantities. In addition during the first years here he also engaged in grading and the improving of streets. When the Phil- lips estate was in part disposed of he bought twenty-five acres and in addition he rents four hundred acres, using the entire tract for dairy purposes and for the raising of alfalfa. It is said that few men in the community have equaled him as a successful alfalfa raiser, and when it is recorded that he has cut seven crops per year, averaging one and one-half ton per acre, no one will question that he has reduced the business to a science.

Near Ridgeville, in Bledsoe county, Tenn., Mr. Thurman was born July 22, 1841, a son of John and Lettie Jane Thurman. The family of which he was a member comprised ten children eight of whom were living when removal was made to California. These were: Nellie, who married John Hicks; Frank, of San Gabriel valley; Ephraim and Margaret, both deceased; R. Monroe; Stephen D., who was born Decem- ber 25, 1843, and lives near El Monte; Alex- ander, also a resident of Los Angeles county, and John S., of Los Angeles. After having lived in Johnson county, Ark., from 1848 to 1852 the family then started with others across the plains for California. With ox teams they slowly made their way toward the setting sun. Many hardships had to be endured, all of which

the wife and mother bore uncomplainingly, but she was not physically equal to the strain and was taken ill at the copper mines in Arizona. Her sorrow-stricken family devotedly and anx- iously watched over her, but in vain. Sadly they laid her body to rest in a lonely spot and then took up the journey without the one that was dearest to all.

In September of 1852 the family arrived in San Gabriel valley near the present site of El Monte. Leaving the family there the father proceeded to the mines of Tuolumne county, but returned the next year and took up farming and stock raising near the Temple ranch. Lit- tle does the present generation realize the

hardships endured by the pioneers of the '50S, to instance which it may be stated that Mr. Thurman often drove his stock to market as far as Virginia City, five hundred miles away. How- ever, he prospered in spite of difficulties and soon won his way to a high rank among the farmers of the valley. Selling out in 1865, he bought property between Savannah and El Monte, but in 1867 moved to Willow Grove, where he bought sixty acres of agriculturalland. On that place his death occurred July 6, 1876, when he was sixty-eight years of age. A man of far more than ordinary ability, a promoter of charitable and religious movements, a firm be- liever in education and the public schools, he was a strong man both mentally and morally, and well merited the esteem of his associates.

The establishment of a domestic life marked the first important change in the existence of Mr. Thurman after coming to California. In 1868 he married Dora Belle Fuqua, daughter of Isham and Johanna (Hathway) Fuqua, men- tion of whom appears elsewhere. The ten chil- dren born of their union are named as follows: Nellie, Mrs. John Sutton, who has one daugh- ter, Rena; R. Monroe, Jr., who is married and has one daughter, Myrtle; Annie, Mrs. George Smith, who has one child, Vada; Alice, Mrs. Henry Clapworth; William B., Allen L., Rob- ert D., Bert, Mabel and Clay. The family are well known among the citizens of Pomona, take an active part in various social functions, and merit and receive the respect of all. Fraternally Mr. Thurman is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was reared in the faith of the Democratic party and has never wavered in his allegiance to its principles, but has been content to let his vote represent his belief, and has not been prominent in local pol- itics nor a seeker after official positions within the gift of his party.

JOHN B. PYLES. Since coming to Po- mona Mr. Pyles has beenidentified with its busi- ness interests and is now a member of the firm of Cooper & Pyles. He was born in Washing- ton county, Pa., in 1874, a son of Paul Pyles. When he was quite small his mother was acci- dentally burned to death and he was then taken into the home of an uncle, Samuel Pyles. At the age of eleven years he accompanied this uncle to California, settling in Westminster, Orange county. Immediately afterward he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and when he was sixteen he went to Chino, where he opened a shop. Without doubt he was the youngest man in California to run a blacksmith shop of his own. During the three and one-half years he remained in Chino he built up a fair trade and proved to the people that, in spite of his youth, he was an expert workman and reli- able business man.

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In 1895 Mr. Pyles disposed of his business in Chino and came to Pomona, where he has since made his home. At first he was a partner of H. M. James, but after a time he formed the partnership with Harvey Cooper which con- tinues to the present and has since given his attention wholly to this business. Enterprising and capable, he is qualified to conduct a busi- ness successfully, and he and Mr. Cooper are building up a substantial and important trade in the line of their specialties.

COL. WILLIAM ALSTON HAYNE. As- sociated with the most conspicuous development of the Montecito valley is the fine and noble life of William Alston Hayne. As long ago as 1867 he came here after a meritorious service in the Civil war, and bought a large tract of land for $20 an acre, upon which no improvements had been made and which was liberally supplied with sage brush and chaparral. At that time not a fruit tree had been planted in the valley, nor had any other American availed himself of the ad- vantages here found, or built himself a house in which to live. He at once began to clear the land, and from San Francisco brought a thou- sand orange trees which formed the nucleus of the later splendid orange industry in one of the most beautiful valleys in Southern California.

Throughout his life Colonel Hayne main- tained the traditions of an enviable ancestry, his forefathers having been prominently identified with the early struggles of the Republic. He - was born in Charleston, S. C., April 25, 1821, a son of Hon. Robert Y. Hayne, one of the fore- most politicians and history makers of South Carolina, and one of the most eminent statesmen of which that southern state can boast, filling many exalted positions of trust. He was elected a member of congress and United States sena- tor, and finally was honored with the guberna- torial chair of his native state. While gover- nor, it was his privilege in 1832 to issue a counter proclamation to that of President Jackson, in favor of state rights, as against nullification. In the senate, from which he resigned in favor of Calhoun, he was opposed to Daniel Webster in that great debate on Foot's resolution regard- ing public lands, which drifted into state rights, and eventually brought on the Civil war. The father of Governor Hayne was brother of Isaac Hayne, that courageous and gifted man who, in the estimation of subsequent history, is entitled to a martyr's crown. Governor Hayne married a daughter of Col. William Alston, the aide-de- camp of General Marion, and whose grand- mother, Rebecca Mott, was the heroine of many stirring incidents during the Revolutionary war. During the war of 1812 Col. Arthur P. Hayne, a brother of the former governor of South Caro- lina, served on General Jackson's staff as aide- de-camp.

Colonel Hayne was educated at Columbia Col-

lege in South Carolina, and took up the study of law at Charleston, of the same state. His marked ability won a ready recognition, and he was elected to the legislature, being a member of that august body when secession was established. During the Civil war he was aide on the staff of Governor Pickins, who was later United States minister to Russia. However, on account of ill- ness, he could not accompany his regiment to the front. He was later in the quartermaster's de- partment, and during the progress of the war was stationed for the most part in South Caro- lina, gaining in time for his services the rank of colonel.

After the war Colonel Hayne came to Cali- fornia with his wife and children, the motives animating his departure from his native state being the loss of health and of a large estate which somewhat embarrassed him financially. In San Francisco he had a brother, Dr. A. P. Hayne, and a cousin, E. J. Pringle, an able at- torney. He arrived in San Francisco in July of 1867, and, acting upon the advice of his relatives and upon observations made by himself, decided to locate near Santa Barbara in the Montecito valley. In the change of conditions to Califor- nia he devoted his time largely to agriculture and horticulture. As a stanch Democrat, he be- came prominent in the political undertakings of Southern California, and among other important positions which his ability drew to him was a membership in the California legislature in 1875. His was a master mind in grasping and fully un- derstanding the opportunities awaiting the set- tler here in the early days, and his tact and good fellowship were evinced in no more forcible way than by his willingness to cultivate the friend- ship of the Spanish people, who entertained for him a lasting regard, and with whom he be- came associated in many business transactions. Like all the members of the family to which he belonged, he appreciated the consolation and friendship of books, and all his life long he was a student, and a keen observer of men and events. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and, with Colonel Heath and Dr. Shaw, aided in the organization of the church at Santa Barbara, of which he was warden and lay reader for more than thirty years. He contributed generously to the church, and to all other worthy causes which appealed to his intelligence and judgment.

The marriage of Colonel Hayne and Miss Margaretta Stiles, daughter of Edward James Stiles, of English descent, a native of Bermuda and an early settler in Pennsylvania, occurred in Philadelphia in 1847. Mrs. Hayne, who is still living, is the mother of nine children, eight sons and one daughter, of whom the following at- tained mature years: Judge Robert Y. Hayne, who was formerly a judge of the superior court of San Francisco; William Alston Hayne, who is in the oil business, and resides near San Fran- cisco; Benjamin S., who is engaged in business

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in California; Brewton A., who is city attorney of Berkeley; Duncan, who is an attorney in San Francisco; Arthur P., who is filling a professor- ship in the Agricultural College, and who was a volunteer in the Philippines under Generals Wheaton and Lawton. Three children are de- ceased. Colonel Hayne died March 28, 1901, when nearly eighty years of age.

HARVEY COOPER. The senior member of the firm of Cooper & Pyles of Pomona was born in Walworth county, Wis., in 1862, being the son of Peter S. Cooper, a farmer. After having completed a common school education and aided in the work of the farm until he reached maturity, he started out for himself, first going to Illinois, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. Next he went to Linn, Wis., and opened a shop, which he carried on for a short time. Later he was engaged at his trade in Sharon, Wis., and Hazelton, Iowa. The desire to find a climate that might prove bene- ficial to the health of his wife led him to come to California. Settling in Pomona in 1894 he worked at his trade as a journeyman for a year after which he formed a partnership with Eugene Cummings and opened a shop on Gar- den street. Eight months later F. T. Clark bought Mr. Cummings' interest and these two continued together for four years, conducting a general blacksmith's business.

Later Mr. Cooper was alone for a short time and then formed his present connection with J. B. Pyles. One year later they bought prop- erty on West Second street, moved off the old house standing on the lot and built a two-story structure, 85x30, with their office in the front part of the building. The floor is of concrete. There are three forges and in the rear a wash- room and closet, also- coal depository. The plant is operated by electricity and electric lights furnish illumination. On the second floor is the workshop for the building of wagons and carriages, where are turned out some of the finest vehicles seen in this section. In the rear of the building is a storehouse where is kept a large stock of material for their work. Em- ployment is furnished to three mechanics. It is said by those qualified to judge that this is the most complete blacksmith establishment in the southern part of California, if not, indeed, in the entire state.

The residence occupied by Mr. Cooper has been enlarged and remodeled by him since its purchase. By his marriage to Mary Riley of Wisconsin he had one child, Ada. After the death of his first wife he married Eva Wilkin- son of Harvard, Ill., by whom he has two chil- dren, Clifford and Mary. The family are con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is banker of the Modern Wood- men and counselor of the Order of Pendo.

FRANK O. SLANKER. To strangers vis- iting Pomona Mr. Slanker is usually introduced as "the man who bored the first artesian well in the Pomona valley." Officially he is known as the deputy sheriff and constable of this city, which positions he has filled for a long period of years. He was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1857, a son of Daniel Slanker. At the age of fourteen years he left home and thereafter he fought life's battles for himself, sometimes under the most discouraging surroundings, but always with a firm will and a resolute heart. For three years he worked for his board and clothes in order that he might attend school and thus fit himself for active life. In 1875, with his brother, S. E. Slanker, now street superin- tendent of Pomona, he came to California, where he engaged in the work of artesian well boring.

In the fall of 1877 Mr. Slanker came to Pomona to bore a well for Captain Hutchin- son and Pancho Palomares, this being the first attempt made of the kind. At a depth of one hundred and eighty feet with a seven-inch pipe he secured a four-inch flow of water. At three hundred and forty-five feet he only secured a two-inch flow, due to the fact that the borings had reached red clay. Again he tried, this time at one hundred and eighty-five feet, where the flow was three inches. These wells do not flow now, but are used as pumping stations to supply the water for Pomona. Afterward he bored a well for Colonel Heath at Lords- burg, and at three hundred and forty-five feet - got a good pumping well which is in use at the present time.

On turning his attention to other occupations, Mr. Slanker bought a blacksmith business from Mr. Scott and with the assistance of Mr. Mc- Key carried on the same four years. After selling out he followed the business as a jour- neyman. In 1885 he built a house on the corner of Tenth and Main streets, which he still owns. The large grounds surrounding the house have been developed and improved and are a source of pride to the owner, to whose care and culti- vation is due the fine growth of fruit and shade trees. During the year of his home-building he married Miss Sadie, daughter of Morris Keller, proprietor of the Keller Hotel of Pomona. Their children are Lura, Penelope, Etta and George C.

Possessing an inventive turn of mind, Mr. Slanker has patented a number of articles, among them a pruning shears, nut lock and oil cup for machinery. When E. B. Smith was bor- ing for water in different parts of Pomona val- ley he employed Mr. Slanker to superintend the work of the borers and give advice as to where conditions were favorable for boring. Polit- ically Mr. Slanker is a stanch Republican. In the fall of 1886, the day before the state and

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county election, he was requested to allow his name to go on the Republican ticket as a can- didate for constable. He consented and was elected to the office. At the succeeding elec- tion he was nominated and elected almost with- out opposition, and the people have continued to show their appreciation of his intelligence and fitness for the office by re-electing him every two years. It is said that he has invariably polled the largest vote of any candidate on the ticket in his township. In addition he has served as deputy city marshal and deputy sher- iff, and is the possessor of excellent detective ability, which these various positions have developed. Among the societies of which he is a member are the Maccabees, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Fraternal Aid, the Elks, the Fraternal Brotherhood and also the Wood- men of the World.

JOHN O'DONNELL. To say of a man that he came to this country without means or friends and that overcoming great obstacles and enduring great hardships, he finally achieved a degree of success placing him among the sub- stantial men of his community, is to give in brief the life history of John O'Donnell of Pomona. He was born in County Kerry, Ire- land, in 1828, a son of Thomas and Jane (Fer- ris) O'Donnell, and came with them to the United States in 1843, settling upon a farmi, where his father died at sixty years and his mother when sixty-five. At the time of the great excitement caused by the discovery of gold in 1849, he crossed the great plains with an ox team, spending some eight months on the tedious and perilous journey. Arriving at Nevada City, he entered the mines and met with more than usual luck, although such were his privations and hardships that the gold he drew out of the mines seemed surely earned indeed. With the means thus secured he purchased a ranch in Colusa county, Cal., and stocked it with cattle. For six years he continued on that place, but the climate brought on chills and fever and so affected his health that he sold the land. His next purchase comprised a ranch near Oakland, and also for a period he was interested in freighting to Carson City, Nev., and Montana. Somewhat later he bought a ranch at Merced, Cal., and improved it with such energy and wise judgment that he sold it for a handsome figure.

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Historical and biographical record of southern California; containing a history of southern California from its earliest settlement to the opening year of the twentieth century, Part 135

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman pub. co. Number of Pages: 1366

Author: Guinn, James Miller, 1834-1918
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman pub. co.
Number of Pages: 1366