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 97

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

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Mr. Atchison was born in Lebanon, St. Clair county, Ill., June 14, 1861, the second of three sons comprising the family of James and Anna (Johnston) Atchison. His father, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, was a native of Penn- sylvania and early removed to Illinois, where he followed the millwright's trade. A strong abolitionist, he was stanch in his support of the Union and during the war was in the govern- ment employ, but died before peace was de- clared. In 1868 the widowed mother, accom- panied by her three sons, came to California, first settling in San Francisco and from there removing to Bangor, Butte county, where she still makes her home. Her oldest son, Thomas, is employed in the police department of San Francisco, while the youngest, John B., is in the United States mail service.

When a boy of seven years, James R. Atch- ison accompanied his mother across the plains, via the railroad, to California, where he attended school two years. From that time until he was sixteen he lived in Bangor. On his return to San Francisco, he was apprenticed to the ma- chinist's trade, remaining in the Pacific iron works for four years. His first employment, after completing the trade, was at Battle Moun- tain, Nev., where he was engineer at the mills for nine months. Returning to San Francisco, he was employed in the Phoenix shop as a ma- chinist, and later worked in other shops, in- cluding those of the Southern Pacific Railroad. In November, 1885, he came to Southern Cali- fornia, but did not remain at that time, going on

to Arizona, where he was engineer in the Silver King mine. His next position was as superin- tendent of a twenty-stamp mill in Sonora, Mexico, where he remained seventeen months. On account of an accident which prevented him from using his hand, he resigned the position and went to Tucson, Ariz., but it was some time before he was in a condition to resume work. Returning to Los Angeles about 1888, he was employed in the Southern Pacific shops, later in the Baker iron works, afterward in the Fos- mir iron works and then was given charge of the engine room of the Los Angeles Electric Company. A later position was that of chief engineer of the Ice and Cold storage Company of Los Angeles, where he remained a year, meantime thoroughly renovating and remodel- ing the plant. On resigning that place he be- came superintendent of the power plants of the electric railroad, which responsible position lie has since filled with the utmost efficiency.

Since settling in Los Angeles Mr. Atchison has married, his wife being Louise M. Mar- shall, daughter of Scotch parents who became pioneers of Eldorado, Cal., where she was born. The fraternal associations of Mr. Atchison in- clude membership in Pentalpha Lodge, F. & A. M., in which he was made a Mason; the In- dependent Order of Foresters; Knights and Ladies of Security, and Los Angeles Lodge No. 135, I. O. O. F., his connection with the Odd Fellows dating from his residence in San Francisco. He is a member of the National Association of Stationary Engineers. Though not an office holder nor a leader in politics, he is a pronounced Republican, and always gives his support to that party's principles. In keep- ing with his ideals of citizenship, he interests himself in movements for the benefit of Los Angeles, particularly, as may be supposed, in such plans as indicate the attainment of trans- portation facilities superior to those enjoyed by any city of like size in the United States.

ROBERT A. TODD. Prominent among thie young men who wield an increasing and impor- tant influence in the public affairs of Los An- geles stands Robert A. Todd, member of the common council from the eighth ward. Mr. Todd is a Californian by birth, and was born in San Bernardino March 5, 1870. His father, Asa, who was born in the vicinity of Lexington, Ky .. accompanied his family to Missouri in childhood and settled upon a large farm, where later horses and cattle were raised in large numbers. In 1853 he crossed the plains on mule-back, traveling alone almost the entire distance and following the northern route. Arriving in the west, he began to work in mines, and soon had gained a fortune in placer mining, but lost it in quartz mining. As a wheelwright in the employ of Gen. Phineas Banning, he came to Southern

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California, working first in Wilmington and then in Los Angeles. For many years, however, con- tracting and building have engrossed his atten- tion, and, although now sixty-nine years of age, his activities have not lessened nor his vitality become impaired. Of his marriage to Mary Rhine were born three sons, namely: Robert Asa and Earl B., both of Los Angeles; and Willard, who is now in the Kern river oil dis- trict.

Near the famous natural bridge which has given name to one of Virginia's villages in Rockingham county, Mrs. Todd was born and reared. Her father, Isaac N. Rhine, also of Vir- ginian birth and of German descent, became a pioneer farmer of Missouri, and about 1866 came to California overland, with ox and mule team, and accompanied by his family. The trip was made via Salt Lake to Lytle creek and thence to San Bernardino, where Mr. Rhine took up farm pursuits. At the time of his arrival he was offered, for a dollar an acre, five hundred acres in Los Angeles, out from Main and Twelfth streets, but refused, owing to the absence of water; instead, he purchased land at Downey, where an abundance of water could be secured, and there he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his deatlı, at seventy-two years.

From the age of two years Robert A. Todd was reared in Los Angeles, where he attended the grammar and high schools and was graduated from Woodbury's Business College. While still a boy he became interested in journalistic work, and for a time was employed on the old Los Angeles Tribune, later being connected with other local papers, and then for three years was editor of the Tucson Star, at Tucson, Ariz., dur- ing the governorship of L. C. Hughes. On re- turning to Los Angeles, he became city hall re- porter for the Evening Express, continuing as such until his selection by Mayor Snyder as his private secretary, shortly after his election as chief executive in December, 1896. During the entire first administration of Mr. Snyder, the re- sponsible position of private secretary was held by Mr. Todd. In 1898 the Democratic party nominated him for councilman from the eighth ward and he was honored with the largest ma- jority ever received by any candidate in the ward. Two years later he was re-elected by an in- creased majority. In spite of the fact that the council is strongly Republican, he has received due recognition, and during his first term was one of the members of the committee on public works. During his residence in Arizona he was also active in Democratic matters, and for a time was a member of the Pima county executive committee, besides serving as a delegate to county conventions and secretary of the terri- torial convention. These various positions, to- gether with his close study of matters political, have given him an insight into public affairs not

always possessed by men many years his senior. Every phase of politics has received attention from him, and all those problems which contrib- ute to the prosperity or retard the progress of a nation have been thoroughly studied by him. Under these circumstances, there is little doubt that the future holds many positions of trust and responsibility for him, and it may be safelv predicted that his name will become in time a power in his party throughout the state.

In Los Angeles Mr. Todd married Miss Min- nie Reinert, whose parents, Edward and Mar- garet Reinert, were early settlers of this city. His fraternal connections include membership in Los Angeles Lodge No. 42, F. & A. M., and Ramona Parlor No. 109, Native Sons of the Golden West, of which he is past president.

HARRY C. ALLEN. The fact that he has been a resident of Pasadena since 1887 has brought to Mr. Allen a thorough knowledge of the progress of this city during the most im- portant period of its history, while his constant interest in horticulture has given him a richness of experience in the industry which has made Southern California famous throughout the world. During the years of his identification with the city he has improved the beautiful sub- urban place, Allendale, consisting of thirty-two acres, where, among the restful live oak trees, can be seen the possibilities of this favored clime. Mr. Allen has proven the success of orange growing and as well every variety of citrus and deciduous fruits.

The Allens were among the early settlers of Massachusetts, where William H. Allen, a resi- dent of New Bedford, was interested in the whaling industry. From that state William H .. Jr., after having graduated from Harvard Col- lege, removed to Illinois, and settled at Grafton, Jersey county: During later years he became one of Grafton's leading men. His splendid ed- utcational equipment, combined with fine native gifts and fostered by travel and self-culture, fitted him to be a leader among men, and in rec- ognition of his many exceptional qualities the voters of his district elected him a member of the Illinois state senate, where his services were of such an order as to give him a distinguished place among the able men of that body. For thirty years he engaged in the banking business at Grafton, also for a time served as judge, main- tained important manufacturing interests, and, all in all, was perhaps the leading citizen and business man of the town. The last seven years of his useful life were passed in Pasadena, Cal., where he died in 1898, aged eighty-four years. When a young man he married Maria M. Mason, who was born in Edwardsville, Ill., and who survived him only four years, dying in Pasadena in 1902, at the age of eighty. Her father, James Mason, was at the time of his

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death territorial land commissioner of Illinois.

In the family of William H. Allen, Jr., there are six children, three of whom reside in Cali- fornia, one son, W. H. (the third to bear that nanie), being president of the Title Insurance and Trust Company in Los Angeles. The fourth among the children was H. C. Allen, who was born in Grafton, Ill., July 31, 1850. His educa- tion was received in public schools and Christian Brothers College. For a time he was connected with the Grafton Manufacturing Company and also aided his father in the management of his banking affairs, but in 1882 left home and went to the south, looking for a suitable location. After several years spent in the southern states, lie drifted gradually toward the far west, and in 1887 settled in Pasadena, where he has since made his home. By his marriage to Miss Har- riet McCord, of Chicago, he has three children: Elsie, Clifford and Averic.

BENJAMIN S. VIRDEN. The expectations of Mr. Virden upon first coming to Oxnard and starting the pioneer drug business of the place have been more than realized, and to such an extent has his business advanced that he moved into a fine brick store, 25x65 feet in dimensions. The appointments of this new structure are in every way worthy of the enterprise and progres- siveness of the owner, and the manifold wants of those who patronize the store will be readily met in the future as they have been in the past.

A native of Jackson, Miss., Mr. Virden was born March 7, 1866, and when a child was taken to Delaware, where he grew to manhood and received his education in the public schools. Later he returned to his old home, and after- wards spent many years in the south. He came to California in 188y, and engaged in the drug business at Santa Paula, and has since then lived in Ventura county. For six years he was in the drug business at Saticoy, and from there removed to Oxnard in 1899. He has among his other possessions one of the prettiest homes in the town, which was erected by himself with an eye for the artistic, comfortable and hospita- ble.

In all matters pertaining to the general wel- fare Mr. Virden is foremost, and his assistance may be relied on to further any wise and pro- motive cause. He was married at Ventura in ' 1892, to Josephine Kelly, who has proved a help- mate indeed and of valuable assistance in formu- lating and carrying out his plans to a successful issue. Three children have blessed this union : Hazel Courtney, Ruth Maria and Benjamin, Jr. In national politics Mr. Virden is a Democrat, and in religious matters is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Identified with the Masonic order, he was made a Mason in Hueneme Lodge, also belongs to Ventura Chapter No. 50, and Ventura Commandery No. 18.

CAPT. WILLIAM G. WATERS, the presi- dent, manager and largest stockholder in the San Miguel Island Company, comes from a prominent family of English descent, who have been represented in America since the beginning of the eighteenth century. The paternal great- grandfather, Jonathan, came from Sutton, and the grandfather, Cornelius Waters, was born in 1749, and married Sybil Gardner, daughter of Isaac Gardner, of Brooklyn, Mass. He was a clergyman in the Congregational Church. The next in succession, George Washington Waters, father of Capt. W. G., was born in Ashby, Mass., July 4, 1798, and engaged in a manufacturing business in Gorham, Me., until his retirement from active business life. During the years of his activity, in Massachusetts, he raised a com- pany of militia of which he was captain, and afterwards he was elected colonel. His latter days were spent in well-earned leisure on the Pacific coast, and his death occurerd in San Francisco December 14, 1885. He married Sarah Forbes, who was born in Greenfield, Mass., May 30, 1798, and died in Newton, Mass. She was the mother of twelve children, six of whom attained maturity, and three are now liv- ing, Capt. W. G. Waters being the only one in the west. One son, John, was in the Thirty- sixth Massachusetts during the Civil war, and is now a resident of Braintree, Mass.

The youth of Captain Waters was spent in Gorham, Me., where he was born August 14, 1838. At a very early age he evinced forceful and independent traits of character, and when but fourteen started out alone to earn his own living in the busy marts of the world. As a preliminary he engaged as a clerk in Boston, Mass., devoting to studious application whatever scant leisure came his way of evenings, and for many years he continually added to the nucleus of an education thus acquired. His clerkship ended, he entered the Lawrence locomotive works as an apprenticed machinist, but after learning the trade, his health being impaired, he engaged in the provision business at Clinton, Mass. In 1861, at the first tap of the drum, he enlisted in Company C, Fifteenth Massachusetts, under Col. Charles Devens, and participated in the battles of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861; Second Bull Run, Fair Oaks, Antietam, Har- per's Ferry, the two battles of Fredericksburg, and numerous other important engagements. In 1862 he was commissioned first lieutenant, and was honorably discharged in the fall of 1863, on account of physial disability, brought on by ex- posure and the vicissitudes of war. The ravages wrought by the strife were deep seated, and it was not until 1876 that he regained his normal splendid health. After the return of peace he was elected captain of his regiment, and com- missioned by Governor Andrews of Massachus- etts.

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In spite of his uncertain health Captain Waters entered the employ of the Whipple File Manu- facturing Company, at Ballardvale, Essex coun- ty, Mass., as master mechanic, and was after- wards with the Montauk iron and steel works, at Mott Haven, N. Y. He then became iden- tified with the Boston Daily Advertiser, of which his brother Edwin was half owner, and for sev- eral years was in charge of the press depart- ment. In 1877 he was solicited by Mr. Simonton to become superintendent of the Morning Call, of San Francisco, and in this capacity put in the first Rapid Perfection press on the coast, and was paid the highest salary of any machinist and newspaper man in California. The erection of the press was begun in the fall of 1877, and it was in working order March 7, 1878, after which Captain Waters continued the superintendency until his wife's failing health necessitated his re- moval to Santa Barbara, in the fall of 1887. He here bought an interest in the San Miguel Island and engaged in the stock business, organiz- ing and incorporating the San Miguel Island Company, of which he has since been manager, president and chief stockholder. The company lias made many improvements on this island, having built a road, a residence five hundred feet above the sea level, also barns, sheds, and a wool house. There are thirteen thousand acres in the island, and fine merino sheep and full blooded Jersey cattle are raised.

Captain Waters married Minnie Richardson Scott, a native of Waban, Mass., and who came to San Francisco in 1861, her death occurring in Santa Barbara January 17, 1890. Captain Wat- ers is a Republican in political affiliation, and is prominent in Masonic circles, having joned that organization in 1864 in Massachusetts, where he was a member of the Meridian Lodge. He is now associated with the Santa Barbara Lodge No. 192, and has been raised to the Royal Arch Masons of San Francisco, and Golden Gate Commandery No. 16. He is a member of the Jonathan Club of San Francisco. Personally he is a typical Massachusetts man who is also a representative Californian, embodying the fine and imposing physique, inspiring health, and strong mentality of the most favored sons of the state of the Pilgrim Fathers.

WARREN LACY WATERS. In the esti- mation of Mr. Waters the possibilities of the Montecito district offer a strong inducement to all who appreciate the wonderful beauty of nature here unfolded, and who desire a soil which, for undeveloped fertility, has no superior in the state. His own home is a delightful spot in which to live and work out one's expectations, overlooking the sca with its changeful moods, and in view of the Channel Islands. There is plenty of water for irrigation, a fine house offers a comfortable home. and all modern improve-

ments have been instituted for the carrying on of general farming, and in particular lemon growing. The owner of this ranch came here in 1891, and has since bent his efforts to perfect and improve his land, and he hopes in the fu- ture to profit by the workings of nature.

An easterner by birth and training, Mr. Wat- crs was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1853, a son of E. W. and A. C. Waters. On the paternal side the family have long been identified with Connecticut, and many of the happenings of historical moment in the early days of the state bear the impress of their achievements. In the dark days of the Revolutionary war there was one Benjamin Waters, who came from Connecti- cut, and distinguished himself while defending the cause of the oppressed colonists. W. Lacy Waters was educated at Hartford, Conn., and at the National Deaf Mute College, Washington, D. C., from which he was graduated in 1873. He then went to New York City and engaged in various occupations until 1891, when he came to Southern California and bought where he now lives in sight of the ocean.

Through his marriage to Annie Trumbull Isham, May 19, 1891, Mr. Waters became as- sociated with the old Trumbull family of Con- necticut, the greatest glory and pride of which was Jonathan Trumbull, at one time governor of Connecticut, and secretary to George Washing- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have no children, but their home is a pleasant one, and they are among the respected and enterprising people of their neighborhood.

THOMAS WEALES. This old settler of . Santa Barbara was born in London, England, July 3, 1848, and is a son of Thomas and Alice (Toby) Weales, also natives of London, and members of old families there. In 1850 the fam- ily came to America and settled in Brooklyn. N. Y., where the father followed the painter's trade during his remaining active years. At the time of his death he was seventy-five, while his wife was forty-eight when she died. Their only child, Thomas, was reared in Brooklyn and learned the trade of a baker and confectioner. which he followed there for a time. Not meet- ing with the hoped-for success, in 1870 he came to California. where he believed, under better conditions, he would gain the prosperity he de- sired. After a year in San Francisco, he came to Santa Barbara in 1871. At once he opened a bakery and confectionery store on State street. and for twenty-five years he was proprietor of the California bakery, at No. 636 State street, being much of that time a partner in the firm of Earley & Weales. At the time he sold out, he was the oldest business man, in one line of business, in the entire city.

The enterprise with which Mr. Weales is now connected, as a member of the firm of Mahon &

BL Bally 0

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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Weales, is a brick manufacturing business de- voted partly to the manufacture of pressed brick and the plant is the largest in Santa Barbara. In return for their energy and wise judgment, the proprietors have gained a prosperity that is truly deserved. While devoting himself to pri- vate business affairs. Mr. Weales has not over- looked the needs of his home town, but has al- ways been a friend of local institutions and a be- liever in a wise and constant system of im- provements. Politically he is a stanch Republi- can. After coming to Santa Barbara he was made a Mason in Lodge No. 192. His marriage took place in San Francisco and united him with Miss Alice Heath, who was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., of English parentage, and is a member of an old family in England.

B. L. BALSLEY. As a practical architect and builder Mr. Balsley has been associated with the growth and development of Santa Monica since 1896 and meantime has superintended the construction of various public buildings and private residences. Mr. Balsley is a descendant in the third generation of a German who settled in Connellsville, Pa., and his father, H. C., was born in that city, going from there to Zanes- ville, Ohio, where he followed the trade of a cabinet-maker. In 1849 he settled in Marshall, Ill., where he first followed his trade, but later turned to contracting and building. His wife, Hester Ann Smith, was born near Zanesville, Ohio, of a New England family, and is still liv- ing at Marshall at a very advanced age, having long survived her husband. They were the parents of ten sons and one daughter. Four sons served in the Civil war, viz .: John H., a contractor of Danville, Ill., who was a member of the Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry; Francis C., a soldier in an Indiana regiment, who later became a contractor in Illinois and died there; B. L., who was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-third Indiana Infantry; and J. Henry, who served in the Sixty-second Illin- ois Infantry and afterward died in Danville, Il1.

In Zanesville, Ohio, B. L. Balsley was born November 22, 1846. He was educated in the public school and academy of Marshall, Ill., and in that town acquired an early knowledge of cabinet-making and carpentering. During May, 1864, he was mustered into the Union service at Indianapolis, Ind., and took part in the battle of Nashville under Thomas. At the expiration of his time he returned to Marshall, where he became foreman for a contractor and builder. Going to Terre Haute, Ind., in 1866, he began the study of architecture under Samuel Reese, with whom he remained for five years, meantime acting as his superintendent of building. On starting out for himself he went to Chrisman, Ill., where he became the principal builder.

Seven subsequent years were spent in Danville, Ill. During 1882 he settled in Fort Scott, Kans., where he built the Inter-State hotel, Perry Van Fossen's building, New Bauer, Klingbiel and Schwin blocks, and scores of residences. Many important contracts were also filled by him in Joplin, Mo., including the drawing of plans for and the building of the Baptist Church, at a cost of $32,000. When he came to California he at once settled in Santa Monica, where he has his home on the corner of Utah and Eleventh streets. Among the residences erected by him in this city are those of W. S. Vauter and George Hutton, while in the line of public buildings the high character of his work is evidenced in Vauter's Bank building.

The marriage of Mr. Balsley took place in Marshall, Ill., and united him with Miss Sophiana Hodges, who was born in Clark county, that state. They are the parents of five children: Martin Edgar, a plumber in Santa Monica; Dr. John Allen, a graduate of the medical department of Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and now a professor in that in- stitution; Benjamin Randall, who is engaged in the plumbing business in Santa Monica; Minnie Ellen, and Florence Alice, a successful music teacher in this city. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In former years Mr. Balsley was quite active in Grand Army af- fairs and his interest in the organization con- tinues undiminished to the present. While liv- ing in Kansas he was initiated into Masonry in the Fort Scott lodge, and is now connected with the blue lodge of Santa Monica. His chapter degree was received in Fort Scott and since coming to California he has held membership in Signet Chapter of Los Angeles. He is also a member of Los Angeles Commandery No. 9, having been made a Knight Templar in Fort Scott, Kans.

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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 97

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