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 40

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

USA > California > 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 40

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J. H. BARTLE. The First National Bank, of which J. H. Bartle is president, was estab- lished in 1887 under the title of the Bank of Monrovia and as a private financial institution, the incorporators being J. F. Brossart, John Wild and J. F. Sartori. Occupying for a short time temporary banking quarters, the pro- prietors of the bank vigorously pushed forward the work of building a structure adapted for their needs. Of ample dimensions, 50x60 feet, the block is of brick, and contains headquarters for customers and clerks and a room for the di- rectors in the rear. One of the most striking features of the equipment is a fireproof vault, built into the bank from the foundation of the building, and provided with a time lock safe. When the building was ready for occupancy, in July of 1887, the newly organized First Na- tional Bank (into which the Bank of Monrovia had been merged) was established and has since occupied these quarters. The original officers were J. F. Brossart, president; John Wild, vice- president; and J. F. Sartori, cashier. A change was made in the presidency January 10, 1888, when I. W. Hellman was called to be head of the institution, and at the same time G. W. Perkins became vice-president.

The association of Mr. Bartle with the bank dates from April 13, 1888, when he was ap- pointed assistant cashier, and as such he con- tinued until January 24, 1891, when his satis- factory services were recognized by his promo- tion to be cashier. The position which he had previously filled was tendered to W. A. Chess, October 1, 1892. Those who have had official direction of the bank since February 27, 1894, are J. H. Bartle, president; J. F. Sartori, vice- president : and W. A. Chess, cashier, while since 1901 K. E. Lawrence has served in the capacity of assistant cashier. Business is still conducted with the same paid-in capital as at first, this being $50,000, but there is now also a surplus of $10,000. The present board of directors is composed of such solid financial men as H. W. Hellman, vice-president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Los Angeles; T. L. Duque, president of the Main Street Savings Bank; J. F. Sartori, president of the Security Savings Bank; J. H. Bartle, president of the bank, and C. K. Ingersoll, of Monrovia, whose efforts, seconding the judicious management of the of- ficers, have contributed to the establishment of the concern upon a solid basis gratifying to its stockholders and the source of great confidence to its depositors. That portion of the ground floor not utilized for banking purposes has been fitted up as a store and is rented as such, while the second floor is utilized for offices and apart- ments.

Mr. Bartle, to whose keen and capable over- sight the success of the bank is due in large measure, is a native of Michigan, born in July

of 1855. At an age when many boys are still in school, he started out to make his own way in the world, and by diligence and perseverance gained a thorough knowledge of mercantile pursuits. Opening a store of his own, he met with a success that was as gratifying as it was deserved, but, unfortunately, his health broke down under the strain of constant overwork. Realizing the need of change to a milder climate than Michigan affords, in 1885 he came to South- ern California, where he visited many of the cities and towns. Among all these places he found none whose climate excelled that of Monrovia. Here it seemed as if Nature had especially favored her children and had granted them more blessings than she usually bestows upon mankind. The pure air from the mount- ains, warmed by the sunshine, encompassed the inhabitants with a constant benediction and seemed even to invigorate and fertilize the soil, so that fruits and flowers grow with remarkable luxuriance.

Disposing of his business interests in Mich- igan in 1886, the next year Mr. Bartle returned to Monrovia as a permanent resident and has since been among its most influential citizens. In 1890 he erected on Myrtle avenue a two- story frame building, with two stores and vari- ous offices. When fire destroyed this structure, in June of 1897, he immediately rebuilt, this time putting up a brick building, 40x80, with two stores and considerable office room. Other property in Monrovia he owns and has improved, including his residence, where in the intervals of business duties he finds relaxation and pleas- ure in the society of his wife (formerly Miss Amelia Bowerman of Canada) and their three children, Stanley, Kathleen and Gerald.

In religious views Mr. Bartle is liberal, ad- hering to no creed, but favoring all movements which tend toward the uplifting of humanity. The lofty principles of Masonry he exemplifies in his life, and has been an active member and treasurer of the lodge in Monrovia since its or- ganization. Aside from his connection with banking interests in Monrovia, he has had similar interests elsewhere, particularly in Covina, Los Angeles county, where he aided in organizing and establishing the Covina Valley Bank, now known as the First National Bank of Covina, on whose board of directors he has rendered wise service from its inception.

GEORGE H. PECK, Jr. At the time of Mr. Peck's settlement in San Pedro there was little in the appearance of the locality to give rise to large hopes for its future prosperity. The town, indeed, had not yet sprung into existence, and most of the lots were platted and laid out under his personal supervision. No one has done more than he to promote the welfare of the place, and to aid in the development of its

Thomas & Sinan

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

resources. Particularly has his assistance been noteworthy in the line of establishing local finances upon a substantial basis. Having inter- ested capitalists in the establishment of a bank at San Pedro, soon after his arrival he opened what is still known as the Bank of San Pedro, of which he has since been manager and vice- president, William G. Kerckhoff being the president. The original capital stock, $25,000, . has been doubled, which fact indicates the steady and gratifying growth of the bank.

Mr. Peck was born in San Francisco, October 5, 1856, and is a son of George H. Peck, Sr., to whose sketch upon another page the reader is referred for the family history. Until twelve years of age George H., Jr., lived in San Fran- cisco, and then accompanied the family to the large ranch which his father had purchased near El Monte. There he remained for eight years, meantime receiving a common-school educa- tion. When twenty years of age he secured employment as baggageman on the Southern Pacific Railroad, his run being between Los Angeles and Wilmington, and later he was pro- moted to be a conductor on the same run. While working for the railroad company, he in- vested his earnings in real estate, and thus reaped fair profits. On resigning his position he settled in San Pedro, where he has since made his home. In 1888 he was appointed vice- consul of Sweden and Norway in the district of Southern California, which position he has held ever since. A study of the needs of the state has made him a pronounced advocate of a high protective tariff, through which alone can the far west compete with European shipments; hence, even to a greater degree than many Re- publicans, he champions this plank of the party platform. In fraternal relations he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. By his marriage to Miss Olive Betts he has four children, Wil- liam, Rena, Alma and Leland. The family are identified with the Episcopal Church.

With no measure is the name of Mr. Peck more closely associated than with the opening up of North Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles county. In 1901 he purchased one thousand acres, affording three miles of beach frontage, and here he is laying out a summer resort, the lots in which are finding a ready sale at from $200 to $500 each. The beach lies fifteen miles from Los Angeles and five miles north of Redondo. It is protected by Point Vicente on the south, Point Oume on the north, and Catalina island on the west. The beauty of the location is unsurpassed, and the curving of the beach in a circular form makes it one of the most attractive beaches on the coast. At present it is reached by the Santa Fe Railroad, and soon an electric line will be built, furnishing another mode of transportation. Deeds are so drawn that no liquor will ever be permitted to be sold

on the grounds, and a building restriction in- sures a desirable class of cottages. Without doubt, in time North Manhattan will come to be known as one of the most popular resorts on the coast, and its present prospects and future prosperity may be attributed to the energy, wise judgment and determination of its founder.

THOMAS D. STIMSON. The impetus given by Mr. Stimson toward the permanent progress of Los Angeles can scarcely be over- estimated. Coming to this city from the east shortly after the collapse of the "boom," he found every industry at a standstill, while capi- talists held back, fearing to invest means where prospects were so gloomy and uncertain. It was then that his firm faith in the future of Los Angeles asserted itself. With an optimism born of a far-seeing judgment, he gave himself to the development of local resources, furnished employment to many workmen, erected build- ings of a most substantial character, and made improvements of permanent value to the city. Immediately after his arrival, in 1890, he pur- chased property and laid the plans that resulted, in 1893, in the erection of the Stimson block, which was far in advance of anything that had been erected up to that time. Later he built the Muskegon, on Broadway and Third; the Allen Flats, on Spring and Seventh; the Spen- cer, on Third, between Broadway and Hill; and he had just completed the plans for the Douglas block at the time of his death, which occurred January 31, 1898. Subsequently the estate erected the building, carrying out his plans, with the exception that the height was five instead of eight stories. The finishings of his block are as fine as can be found in the en- tire city, nor is there any that is lighter or more pleasant in every respect. Besides his interest in building these various blocks, he officiated as president of the Columbia Savings Bank and as a director in the Citizens Bank of Los Angeles, and was actively connected with the Chamber of Commerce.

The only son of Horace and Olive (Johnson) Stimson, natives of New York, Thomas D. Stimson was born in Ontario, Canada, July 31, 1828, and was reared principally in New York state, where his father was a manufacturer. Later the family settled in Albion, Mich., where the father was similarly engaged. When a mere boy, the son began to earn his livelihood, and was employed in helping to push boats up the Paw Paw river. In 1847 he went to Chicago. intending to enlist in the Mexican war, but at the time he tendered his services the required quota had been filled. He then hired under Mr. Ryerson, of Chicago, to work in a lumber mill in Muskegon, Mich., but being of an inde- pendent and ambitious disposition, he was not

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satisfied to remain in the employ of another. With D. A. Blodgett, also a young man, he em- barked in lumbering, first getting out the logs and then investing in pine lands. He erected the first mill at Big Rapids, Mich. Three years later he moved the mill to Muskegon, and afterward built another mill, carrying on both of these for years. Success seemed to be his from the first. The energy and determination that he possessed, combined with wise judgment, turned Fortune's wheels in his favor, and his career thenceforward was one of uninterrupted success. It is not, however, to be inferred that he had no obstacles to surmount, no difficulties to overcome; but his resolution and courage enabled him to meet and conquer them. To facilitate his work he built several railroads from his pine lands to rivers and also acquired the ownership of several boats, and until 1890 he had a wholesale yard in Chicago. Some time during the '8os he invested in pine lands in Washington and established his sons there, starting them in the manufacture of lumber, un- der the firm title of the Stimson Mill Company and the Stimson Land Company. This business has been continued to the present and is one of the largest of its kind on the coast. Notwith- standing his varied interests of a business na- ture, he kept thoroughly posted in politics and was closely associated with the Democratic party in Michigan. Twice he was delegate-at- large from that state to national conventions, once in Cincinnati and at another time in St. Louis. He was connected with the Ma- sonic fraternity and a believer in its work and creed.

In Grand Rapids, Mich., Mr. Stimson married Miss Achsah J. Spencer, who was born in Clyde, N. Y., a daughter of Laban and Melinda (Rich- mond) Spencer, natives respectively of New York and Massachusetts. Her paternal grand- father was born in Wales, of English descent, and for years was a manufacturer in New York. At an early day her father settled upon a farm near Pontiac, Mich., and in addition to improv- ing the land followed the shoemaker's trade and manufactured cooper's supplies. Later he was interested in lumbering in the pine lands. His wife accompanied her parents, John and Chloe (McClough) Richmond, from Massachusetts to New York, later to Michigan. The Richmond and McClough families were old settlers of Mas- sachusetts (the latter having had its first emi- grant come in the Mayflower), and both were represented in the Revolutionary war. After the death of Mr. Spencer his widow came to Los Angeles and spent her last days with her daughter, Mrs. Stimson, in whose home she died, February 17, 1901, aged almost eighty- nine years. Of her six children all but one are still living, one daughter, Mary E., residing with Mrs. Stimson, while two sons, John and James, reside in Los Angeles, and a third son; Alvah,

continues to make his home in Oakland county, Mich. Several times before removing to Los Angeles, Mrs. Stimson had come here from the east and each time the favorable impression was deepened, so that finally, when Mr. Stimson retired from the lumbering business, he came here to spend the twilight of his life. In 1891 he erected a palatial brown stone mansion, which is considered architecturally one of the most beautiful homes of Los Angeles, and here, surrounded by every comfort, Mrs. Stimson continues to reside. In her family there are six children, of whom Willard H., Charles D. and Ezra T. are the executors of the estate; Wil- lard H, and Ezra T. reside in Los Angeles and have large and important interests in the Stim- son Land Company and the Stimson Mill Com- pany. The only daughter, Mrs. Olive J. Fay, resides in Los Angeles. Charles D. is president of the Stimson Mill Company at Seattle, Wash .. and Fred S. is also in that city and connected with the same company. J. D. Stimson died in San Francisco November 19, 1900.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

A distinction credited to the University of Southern California is that it is the oldest Protestant educational institution in this part of the state. The project, which originated in the brain of Judge R. M. Widney, developed under consultation with such eminent authorities as Rev. A. M. Hough, E. F. Spence, Dr. J. P. Wid- ney, Rev. M. M. Bovard, and G. D. Compton, and it was decided to build a Methodist college or university in or near Los Angeles. Offers of land were received from Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Temple street and West Los Angeles. but a majority of the trustees decided in favor of West Los Angeles. The first important step in the transaction was accomplished July 29, 1879, when J. G. Downey, O. W. Childs and I. W. Hellman deeded to A. M. Hough, J. P. Widney, E. F. Spence, M. M. Bovard, G. D. Compton and R. W. Widney, three hundred and eight lots in the West Los Angeles tract, in trust as an endowment fund for the University of South- ern California. Also, about forty acres of land was donated by owners of adjacent property, and in 1880 thirty of the lots were placed on sale. Although their market value did not exceed $50, friends of the institution willingly gave $200 each.

At the time of selection, the site for the col- lege buildings and campus on Wesley avenue, near Jefferson street, was covered with tall wild mustard stalks, and streets were undefined save by stakes. The general aspect was dreary and unpromising, an impression intensified by the utter absence of houses or any signs of activity. The present music hall of the university was the

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first building made possible by the sale of the lots, and in August, 1880, the purpose of the in- stitution was further demonstrated, when Revs. M. M. and F. D. Bovard entered into a contract with the trustees to carry on the edu- cational work for five years. Rev. M. M. Bo- vard was elected president, and a small endow- ment was secured for the embryo institution from the sale of lots and by private donations. The present four-story college building was erected in 1886, and under the competent corps of teachers, and the enthusiasm and help of the trustees, the scope of the institution was per- ceptibly broadened.

In 1882 Messrs. George and William B. Chaf- fey, the founders of the Ontario Colony, made a tender of a deed of trust to a large body of land for a Chaffey college of agriculture in connec- tion with the university. In March, 1882, the corner stone of a brick college building was laid at Ontario, San Bernardino county, and in 1887 the school was thrown open to the public as a branch of the University of Southern California, and lias ever since been conducted as a prepara- tory school.

The College of Medicine which comprises an important and popular department of the uni- versity was founded in 1885 by Dr. J. P. Wid- ney, and the school started in a building on Alison street, but eventually removed to the building of its own on the west side of Buena Vista. The architectural scheme of the building is appropriate to its needs. The opportunities offered, and the high standard maintained, fully justify a reputation by no means local in its extent.

The Maclay College of Theology, also cstab- lished in 1885, was first located in San Fernando. Credit for this department of the university is al- most entirely vested in Hon. Charles Maclay, who not only donated land valued at $150,000, but erected the building in which the infant school started upon its career of usefulness. However, the school was closed at San Fer- nando in 1893, and opened at the University of West Los Angeles in October, 1894.

Following is a list of the heads of the institu- tion from the founding: Rev. M. M. Bovard, D. D .; Rev. W. S. Matthew, D. D .; Rev. F. M. Cherington, D. D .; Joseph P. Widney, M. D., LL. D .; Milton E. Phillips, A. M .; Rev. G. W. White, D. D .; Rev. George Cochran, D. D .; William Trafton Randall, A. M.

The University now comprises the colleges of Liberal, Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Theology, Music, and Fine Arts. The faculty numbers ninety in all and there are over six hundred stu- dents. Since the inauguration of Dean Randall, under the leadership of Bishop Hamilton and by the efficient work of Field Secretary Rev. T. C. Miller, over a quarter of a million dollars has been raised for additional endowment.

WILLIAM TRAFTON RANDALL, A.M.,. Dean of the University of Southern California, is a direct descendant in the third generation, of Benjamin Randall, founder of the Free-Will Baptist denomination. He was born in Maine and is a son of Rev. D. B. Randall, D.D., and Emily (Trafton) Randall. His father, a native of Vermont, joined the Maine conference when eighteen years of age and afterward filled all the leading appointments, being presiding elder several times, and serving four terms in the gen- eral conference. For many years he was chap- lain of the state legislature. Both the abolition and the temperance movements received his hearty support. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1900 in his ninety-third year, he was the oldest Methodist Episcopal clergyman in America.

The education of William T. Randall was ac- quired in the Maine Wesleyan Seminary and the Wesleyan University in Connecticut. During his junior year he was editor-in-chief of the uni- versity publication, and in his senior year was the university orator and graduated with hon- ors. Taking up educational work he was en- gaged as teacher in district schools, then as prin- cipal of high schools and superintendent of schools, after which he became dean of Chaffey College, and in June of 1901 came to Los An- geles as dean of the University of Southern Cal- ifornia. In 1884 he married Louise A. Wood- ruff, daughter of James and Clara Woodruff, and a native of New Britain, Conn. They are the parents of two children, Louise Marguerite and Wilbur Walter.

Among the organizations with which Dean Randall is identified may be mentioned the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Phi Beta Kappa scholarship fraternity. In religion he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1896 represented Southern California in the general conference of the denomination at Cleveland, Ohio. As president of the Republi- can Club he was enabled to promote the welfare of that party in his community. Among the other important local capacities in which he has officiated are the offices of president of the city board of trustees of Ontario, Cal., and president of the Board of Trade.

F. M. SALE. The various industries which give Moneta a place among the growing colonies of Southern California have an enterprising rep- resentative in Mr. Sale, who has made his home in this state since 1894. He was born in Niagara county, N. Y., June.22, 1871, and is a son of Frank and Catherine (Wilson) Sale, natives re- spectively of London. England, and Syracuse. N. Y. Crossing the ocean to America in 1857. Frank Sale settled near Lockport, N. Y., and engaged in farming upon land which he pur- chased there. Since then agriculture has been

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his life work, and in the locality where so many years of his life have been passed he is known and honored as a man of upright life and pro- gressive spirit. Of his three children the sub- ject of this article was second in order of birth, and was given fair advantages in the schools of Lockport, after which he engaged in farming.

On his arrival in California, in 1894, Mr. Sale leased a tract of land at Gardena, and set out thirteen acres in strawberries, which soon be- came a source of gratifying profit to him. Some- what later he bought four lots in Moneta, and here he has erected a commodious and attractive residence. He also leases eighty acres which he has in barley, and five acres, which are planted to strawberries and Logan berries. Since attaining his majority he has voted with the Re- publican party and supports with earnestness the principles it represents. He is a member of the Fraternal Brotherhood, also of the Inde- pendent Order of Foresters and the Ancient Or- der of United Workmen.

In Gardena, Cal., Mr. Sale married Miss Mit- tie Young, who was born in Michigan, and by whom he has one son, Ashley. Mrs. Sale is a daughter of A. S. Young, a native of New Jer- sey and a farmer by occupation, who, moving to Iowa, made his home in that state for four- teen years. From there he came to California, settling at Gardena, where he bought a farm of forty acres. On disposing of that property he returned to New Jersey, and from there re- moved to Illinois, settling in Fairfield, Wayne county, where he now owns and cultivates a farm of two hundred acres.

ALEXANDER FRASER MILLS. A1-

though for many years a resident of California Mr. Mills is by birth a Canadian; was born at Richmond, seven miles from Ottawa, on the last day of the year 1849. His grandfather, John Mills, came from England as a soldier, and in the Barracks was born his first son, George, who still survives. The second son, John, the father of Mr. Mills, was born near Ottawa, and grew to manhood on a farm; then for some years engaged in woolen manufacture near Perth, after which he was a business man in Stirling, and next was connected with iron works and a large woolen factory at Marmora. The breaking away of a dam in 1869 caused a total loss of his property, but he rebuilt at once, and the mills are still running, though he re- tired many years since. His wife, Sarah, was a daughter of Alexander Fraser. Mr. Fraser was a Highlander from Scotland and came to Amer- ica in 1812. He was an officer in the English army, his uniform and sword being still in the family. He married an English lady and settled on a farm near Perth in 1815. Sarah Mills was there born, and died in 1900. She is survived by three sons and five daughters. Two of the

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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 40

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