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 171

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

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before leaving Nebraska, and in Ocean Park an- other child died in infancy, February 22, 1895.

The political views of Mr. Hassinger bring him into sympathy with the Republican party, whose men and nieasures he supports. Realiz- ing the need of a well-equipped fire department in Ocean Park, he has been interested in the securing of the same and is now officiating as its secretary and treasurer. The Santa Monica Board of Trade numbers him among its mem- bers. Fraternally he is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religion is of the Unitarian belief. His identification with Ocean Park has been intimate and long- extended, and it is worthy of note that he acted as the first agent of Kinney & Ryan in the management of their tract and the beach. All through the period of his residence at the beach le has proved himself an enterprising citizen, with the firmest faith in the future of Ocean Park and its increasing popularity as an attrac- tive resort.

L. W. DREWS. The spring of 1894 found Mr. Drews a new comer in California, and he has since made Moneta his home. He was born in Leavenworth, Kans., May 14, 1871, being a son of Rudolph and Catherine (Kempter) Drews, natives of Germany. When a boy of fourteen years the father left his native city, Hamburg, and with his parents crossed the ocean to Amer- ica, settling in New Orleans. In that city he studied to be an architect. However, when the news of the discovery of gold in California reached him, he dropped all his work and at once started for the far west. By means of a sailing vessel that ploughed its slow course down the Atlantic, around the Horn and up the Pacific, he arrived in San Francisco in 1850. In order to secure the means necessary for a livelihood he worked at his trade, but carried on mining pursuits at the same time. During 1852 he crossed the plains to Kansas and es- tablished his headquarters in Leavenworth, from which point he engaged in the freighting business to Pike's Peak. Those were the days of large freighting expeditions, when people were moving westward in great throngs, and hence his wagons were constantly in use. With the money thus earned he bought a farm of eighty acres near Leavenworth, and subse- quently increased his possessions by the pur- chase of two hundred and twenty acres in the same locality. When he had accumulated suffi- cient for his old age and wished to retire from active farm cares, he came to California in 1899, and settled at Moneta, where his death occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife had accompanied her parents to the United States when she was twelve years of age, and for a time lived in Illinois, but later removed to

John D. Chaffeed.D.

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Leavenworth, Kans., near which city her father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres.

The boyhood years of L. W. Drews were passed in the common schools and on the home farm. Leaving Kansas in 1894, he came to California and settled at Moneta, where he bought thirteen acres. At this writing he owns twenty-two acres altogether, and has a neat and comfortable home. The improvements on the place speak of his energy and perseverance, and his desire to transform the land into one of the most productive ranches of the community. Another enterprise that commands his support and attention is the Moneta cannery, of which he is vice-president and a director. In addition, he owns one-half interest in a gas pumping plant, with a capacity of one hundred inches, the water from which is sold to other ranchers.

The lady who presides over the home of Mr. Drews was formerly Nellie Becker, and was born in Leavenworth, Kans. Her father, Val- entine Becker, was a native of Germany, but came to America in early manhood and after- ward devoted himself to farm pursuits near Leavenworth. While Mr. Drews is not a parti- san in the usual sense of that word, he is a stanch and pronounced Democrat and believes thoroughly in supporting party principles. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Rathbone Sis- ters, Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, and the Independent Order of Foresters.

JOHN D. CHAFFEE, M. D., whose home- stead, The Pines, forms one of the most valua- ble properties at Garden Grove, is a member of an old English family that settled in Ver- mont. His father, Eber C., was born near Bel- lows Falls, that state. and was the son of Rufus Chaffee, a farmer. When a youth he learned the trades of tanner and currier, but after re- moving, in 1839, to Kane county, Ill., he turned his attention to agriculture, and improved a farm of four hundred acres in Campton town- ship. He married Anna Davis, who was born in Rutland county, Vt., of Welsh and English de- scent. Both died on their homestead in Illinois. Of their twelve children all but two attained ma- ture years. They were as follows: Mrs. Sarah M. Johnson, who died at Batavia, Ill .; Sereno S., who died in Los Angeles, Cal .; Fernando H .. who resides in Illinois; Mrs. Marcia Ryder, of Clinton, Iowa; Edmond, who died in Texas during the Civil war; Alonzo, of Wasco, Ill .; Dorr B., who served in an Illinois regiment dur- ing the Rebellion and is now a farmer at Gar- den Grove, Cal .; John D .; Simon E., also a vet- eran of the Civil war, and now living in Wasco, 111., being freight solicitor for the Great West- ern railroad; and Albert, a farmer of Garden Grove.

Near Elgin, Kane county, Ill., Dr. Chaffee was born November 5, 1843. On completing the studies of the district schools he attended Mount Morris (111.) Seminary. From boyhood it was his ambition to enter the medical profes- sion and, in spite of obstacles which would have daunted one less determined, he persevered, making every occupation in which he engaged a means to the end desired. While still living in Illinois he conducted a large dairy and furnished milk for a condensing factory, building up a business, that was profitable and important. On determining to come west, in 1875, he sold the property and spent three months in Los An- geles, going from there to Westminster. In February, 1876, he settled on the place which has since been his home, and which comprises ten acres. Since then lie has acquired another ten-acre ranch, and has planted both in fruit trees of different varieties.

Years ago, with only one text book to assist him, Dr. Chaffee began the study of medicine, and his rudimentary knowledge of the science was acquired without the aid of an instructor. Other books were afterward added to his medi- cal library and the contents of each absorbed by his receptive mind. In 1884 he entered Hahne- mann Hospital Medical College in San Fran- cisco, from which he was graduated in 1887. However, he had practiced considerably prior to his graduation, and he is now, in point of years of professional activity, one of the oldest physicians in Orange county. In addition to following a general practice of medicine, lie has had considerable experience in surgery and is deeply interested in that branch of the profes- sion.

The marriage of Dr. Chaffee took place in El- gin, Ill., September 29, 1868, and united him with Miss Ellen M. Bradley, who was born at Dundee, Kane county. Ill. She is eligible to membership in the Daughters of the Revolu- tion, some of her paternal ancestors having par- ticipated in the first war with England. Her grandfather, Anson Bradley, spent his entire life in Vermont, and her father, William S. Bradley, was also a native of that state, born in Fairfield, but in 1838 settled at Dundee, Ill., becoming a pioneer farmer near that town. In 1881 he re- moved to California, where he remained re- tired from active cares until his death, at seven- ty-six years. He traced his ancestry to English and Scotch progenitors. In religion he was connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucia Keiser, was born in New Hampshire, and died at Garden Grove, Cal. Their family consisted of four daughters, namely: Jane C., Mrs. Wau- zer, who died in Wisconsin; Mary E., Mrs. Hill, who lives in Garden Grove: Ellen M., Mrs. Chaffee; and Lois E., who, with her husband, Charles Hitchcock, was murdered on their ranch

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at Garden Grove, in January, 1888. After com- pleting her education in Elgin Academy, Mrs. Chaffee became a teacher in Kane county and continued in that occupation until her mar- riage.

The distinction of being the only surviving charter members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Garden Grove belongs to Dr. and Mrs. Chaffee, and he has always been one of its leaders and an important factor in its prog- ress, both as a member and through his service as chairman of the board of trustees and in other official positions. When fourteen years of age he experienced religion and was converted, since which time he has endeavored to exem- plify in his own life the teachings of Christ. Be- sides starting the church, he also started the Sunday-school at Garden .Grove, and for three years he served as a trustee of the same. He is connected with the Fraternal Aid as its exam- ining physician. Among the professional or- ganizations to which he belongs, the most im- portant are the National and the Southern Cal- ifornia Homeopathic Societies, and he keeps in touch not only with these, but also with all asso- ciations for the benefit of the profession and is a reader of various periodicals devoted to sci- entific inquiry. In his political adherence he is a stanch Republican and active in the local work of the party, but at no time in his life an as- pirant for official honors.

JESSE S. STINE. Early in the history of our country the Stine family settled in Virginia, whence one of the name removed to Bucks county, Pa., and from there to Fremont and later to Sandusky, Ohio. In religious belief he adhered to the faith of his ancestors, who had been Lutherans since the days of the Reforma- tion. I. D. Stine, a son of this Ohio pioneer, was born in Bucks county, Pa., and became a contracting mason in Fremont, Ohio, later fol- lowing the same occupation, as well as building, in Elmore, Ohio, and South Bend, Ind. In 1885 he removed to California and engaged in con- tracting and building in Los Angeles, but since 1895 has been retired. During the Civil war he was a member of the Thirty-first Ohio Infantry, and now has membership with the Grand Army in Los Angeles, where he also is identified with South Gate Lodge, F. & A. M. He married Rebecca, daughter of Jesse C. Coe, a pioneer of Fremont, Ohio; she was born in Sandusky county, that state, and died in Indiana, leaving three sons, two of whom reside in California, the third being in Mexico. The oldest of these is Jesse S., of Tropico, who was born in Fre- mont, Ohio, April 21, 1861. At ten years of age he accompanied his parents to South Bend, Ind., where he learned the mason's trade under his father. At fourteen years of age he also

began to learn the plumbing business, at which he continued until 1878 in South Bend, later working as a journeyman in different western states. During 1882 he enlisted in the Second United States Cavalry, Company F, and was sta- tioned at Fort Custer. After five years of serv- ice he was honorably discharged at Walla Walla, Wash., from which point in 1887 he came to Los Angeles.

After assisting his father as a contractor in Los Angeles for five years, in 1892 Mr. Stine embarked in business for himself. Indeed, he has considered Glendale his home since 1889, and is well known among the contractors of this vicinity. The firm of Stine & Bullis has been given many important contracts and ranks high among men who demand the finest grade of work. In addition to contracting Mr. Stine car- ries on horticultural pursuits and owns a five- acre tract at Glendale, in the cultivation of which he has for some time been interested. His marriage took place in Tropico, Los An- geles county, June 13, 1888, and united him with Miss Tessa Bullis, who was born in San Rafael, Marin county, Cal., in 1872, and is a daughter of P. H. Bullis, of Redondo Beach. One child, Richard W., blesses this union. The political views of Mr. Stine bring him into affil- iation with the Republican party, whose ticket he always votes. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World, the Sons of Veterans and the Odd Fellows.

C. B. SMITH. Many of the finest residences and public buildings in Long Beach are due to the skill of C. B. Smith, who has been engaged in building and contracting here since 1900. An architect also, Mr. Smith draws his own plans, and the houses that he has erected and offered for sale find a ready market among those who are looking for all that is desirable in a home. His work is of the substantial, up- to-date and artistic order, and contributes in no small measure toward the generally excellent effect of the buildings of the town.

A native of Iowa, Mr. Smith was born in Del- aware county, October 10, 1861, a son of Ephraim Smith, a native of Noble county, Ohio, and a grandson of Anderson Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania. The grandfather was one of the early settlers of Douglas county, and afterwards removed to Iowa, and then to Ne- braska, where his death occurred. Ephraim Smith lived in Delaware county, Iowa, until 1871, and then removed to Columbus, Platt county, Neb., for a year, later taking up his residence on a farm in Boone county. Nebraska at that time was exceedingly wild and unculti- vated, and neighbors were separated by wide stretches of country. The family were obliged

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to go forty miles to market and for the mail, and sixty miles to the mill to have their grain ground. The Smith home was the third house in Boone county in Cedar valley, and the occu- pants thereof underwent many hardships and deprivations, as well as dangers from Indian at- tacks. The father left Nebraska with his family in 1893 and located at Hanford, Cal., living there for five years and moving from there to Santa Ana, Cal., and thence to Long Beach, where he is still living, and where he is engaged in the feed and grain business. He married Drusilla M., daughter of Jacob Foutz, a native of Ohio, and a shoe man by occupation. Mr. Foutz was one of the '49ers who crossed the plains in search of fortune, and who eventually found their way to Southern California. He was fairly successful as a miner and remained on the coast until 1880, in which year he returned to Nebraska. and died in 1882. Mrs. Smith, who died in Santa Ana, Cal., was the mother of eight children, five of whom are living, C. B. being the oldest.

As a boy C. B. Smith shared the family for- tunes in out of the way places, removing from Iowa to Nebraska, where he studied in the dis- trict schools as opportunity offered, but, as may be imagined, the chances for acquiring knowl- edge were few and far between. When four- teen years old he used to travel the sixty miles to the mill at Shell Creek, a trip covering four days, and would return to the waiting ones at home laden with the provisions necessary for housekeeping in the wilds. When quite young he was initiated into the mysteries of a printing office at Cedar Rapids, Neb., and used to set type on the Echo. When twenty years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and afterwards was foreman for a year for a con- tractor in Barstow, Neb. He then returned to Boone county and contracted and built there and in Greeley county, and eventually found his way over a considerable part of the state in his capacity as a builder. In May of 1890 hc came west to Madeira, Cal., and remained for a year, and then went to Hanford and engaged in contracting and building and brick manu- facturing. He worked up a large business and continued in the locality for three years. In 1896 he moved to Southern California on ac- count of sickness in the family, and located in Santa Ana, where for four years he was foreman for McNeil & Preble. In April of 1900 he came to Long Beach, and has since found this a profit- able field of activity.

In Hanford, Cal., Mr. Smith married Mary M. Maloon, a native of Shelbyville, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have adopted a daughter, Ruth G. Smith. Mr. Smith is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a free silver man, and in religion is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church.

G. P. FITZGERALD. In no portion of the world has the art of man more harmoniously supplemented the beauties of nature than in ' Southern California. As a result a veritable wonderland has been created that challenges the admiration of all. The eye of the artist greets with peculiar pleasure the vision afforded by the homestead ol Mr. Fitzgerald, where the skill of workmen, guided by the owner's re- fined taste and intelligent mind, have brought to perfection an environment peculiarly the re- cipient of nature's bounties. Lying in the foot- hills overlooking Duarte, the chill winds and frosts that carry destruction to the groves at many places gain no entrance here, hence trees and flowers grow with especial luxuriance.

On coming to California in 1890 Mr. Fitz- gerald spent a short time in San Diego and Los Angeles, after which he bought one hundred and twenty-two acres at Duarte. Few improve- ments had then been attempted, and much of the land was covered with brush and in the primeval condition of nature. Twenty-five acres had been planted in seedling oranges and twenty-five in vines, but no other attempt at cultivation had been made. Under the present owner's keen supervision and capable manage- ment the entire place has been transformed. Six thousand oranges, Washington navel vari- ety, have been planted, and five hundred late valencias. Half way up the mountain side a mansion has been erected, before which spread the orange trees extending down the foothills. The grounds have been laid out into a park of marvelous beauty, with drives and flowers and artistic stone work. In his horticultural pursuits and in the improving of the property Mr. Fitzgerald is an enthusiast, and the result of his skill may be seen on every side. A choice collection of plants and shrubs abound, the di- versified arrangement of which adds greatly to the attractive appearance of the grounds. To bring the ranch to its present perfection $140,- oco has been expended, yet, vast as the outlay has been, an offer of this sum would not induce the owner to part with the ranch which he calls his U. S. A. home.

In Waterford county, Ireland, Mr. Fitzgerald was born and reared, and his education was ac- quired at Harrow, supplemented by a course of study in Cambridge. For seven years he was a member of the militia, ranking as first lieu- tenant. After coming to America lie married Miss Eleanor Niccolls, who was born in Union- town, Pa., the only child of John A. and Leon- ora (Thompson) Niccolls. Her father, a native of Belle Vernon, Pa., devoted his active years to the buying and selling of coal stock. He died in Uniontown, where his wife still makes her home. The children of Mr. Fitzgerald are John P., Edward and Gerald. The family are identi- fied with the Roman Catholic Church. Besides

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his possessions in California, Mr. Fitzgerald has been a heavy investor in Pennsylvania coal mines and is the owner of other American properties. Included in his Great Britain pos- sessions is the island of Waterford, which con- tains six hundred acres. He also has property in Manchester, England.

The Fitzgerald family is descended from the Duke of Leicester's family and belongs to the nobility of Great Britain. The genealogy is traced back to Otho Geraldino, who, according to the Battle Abbey Book, came to England with William the Conqueror, from Normandy, under whom he was a chief commander. In the sixth year of the reign of that famous king, he was created a baron. He had two sons, Waltero and Robert, the former of whom was the ances- tor of all the Fitzgeralds in Ireland. His son, Gerald, was the father of Maurice Fitzpatrick, who was one of the early invaders of Ireland, landing there in 1169. By this representative the surname was changed from Geraldino to Fitzgerald, although long afterward they were still alluded to as the "Geraldines." So famous were they for chivalry and valor and so wide- spread the tales of their deeds of daring that one of the well-known songs of those days re- counted their virtues:

"These Geraldines! These Geraldines! Time wears away the rock.

And time may wear away the tribe that stood the battle shock; But evermore, while one is left of all that hon- ored race,

In front of Ireland's chivalry is that Fitzger- ald's place."

JOHN EARLE JARDINE. On the pages of history the Jardine family appears as having gone from Normandy to England and in the latter country the name is first found in the roll of Battle Abbey. They were later granted land in Scotland. Archibald Jardine, who was a native of Wigtonshire, Scotland, and an agri- culturist by occupation, established the family in the United States, settling in New York City. His son, John, who was also a native of Wig- tonshire, was twenty years of age when he crossed the ocean to New York. and there he has since resided, having made architecture his life work. In the prosecution of this calling he has gained a local reputation for skill and artis- tic idens. and is now one of the city's most prominent architects. Like his ancestors, he adheres to the Presbyterian faith. At this writ- ing he is vice-president of St. Andrew's Society of New York City.

The first marriage of John Jardine united him with Miss Mary E. Earle, a daughter of Morris and Mary (Dodd) Earle, natives respect-

ively of New York City and Hartford, Conn. Both these families were among the colonial settlers of Connect.cut, and were of English and Puritan stock. For one hundred and fi ty years the old Dodd residence has stood in Hartford, an historic landmark, and it has been cont.11- uously occupied by members of the family. Mrs. Jardine was born in New York City. where her father was a successful merchant. The schools of that city afforded her excellent educational advantages, while her religious instruction was received in the Episcopal Church. She d.ed when her only child, John Earle Jardine, was a child. He was born in New York City Decem- ber 7, 1871, and at ten years of age removed with the family to the suburb of Yo. kers, where he attended a private school and academy. After. completing his studies he entered upon a posi- tion with a wholesale and impo. ting chem.cal house.

Desiring to visit the Pacific coast, of which he had heard much, Mr. Jardine came to Cali- fornia in 1892 on a tour of inspection, and was so pleased with the country that he decided to make it his home. Settling in Pasadena in Jan- nary, 1894. he began the improvement of a tract of thirteen and three-fourths acres on South Marengo avenue. This land was in the rough, and required constant supervision for several years to be put in a condition where it would respond to cultivation. A large number of orange and lemon trees, also grape fruit, may be now seen on the property, and in citrus culture the owner has proved himself an adept, carry- ing on all of his work scientifically and with due regard to conditions of soil and climate. Los Robles Park (such is the name of the estate) is one of the most attractive homesteads in the vicinity of Pasadena, and its two resi- dences are fitted up with modern appliances and improvements. In the thrifty appearance of its orchard, in the substantial buildings and in the air of comfort and prosperity overhanging all, the property stands as a monument to the wise judgment and executive ability of the owner.

Various enterprises, in addition to the super- vision of his homestead, receive attention from Mr. Jardine and, when their value is proved, his co-operation is always to be relied upon. He is a director both in the Orange and the Lemon Growers' Associ. tions of Pasadena, and a direc- tor of the San Gabriel Valley Bank. On the organization of the Euclid Avenue Water Com- pany he was chosen its president and still fills the position, having meantime developed water for the various properties reached by the con- pany. When the Pasadena Country Club was organized he became one of its charter mem- bers, and is now its secretary and treasurer. In political views he is a pronounced Republican. Some years before coming to California he made a tour of Great Britain and the continent,

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finding one of his chief pleasures in visiting the scenes familiar to his father in boyhood and youth, and dear to the family through the long association of previous genera. ions with the lo- cality. He is a vestryman in the Church of Our Savior (Episcopal) at San Gabriel, and in it was solemnized, in 1893. his marriage to Miss Mary C. Peck, daughter of George H. Peck, Sr. They have an only son, John Earle, Jr.

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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 171

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