USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles county, Volume II > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
After considerable thought and several conferences it was decided that the best way to bring the matter before the public was for Judge Hutton to issue an urgent appeal to the club women of the Los Angeles District of the California Federation of Woman's Clubs to lend their aid and support
53
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
in helping by providing suitable care for the "border line" cases, to further a movement for the prevention of insanity and to secure homes for unfor- tunate women confined at Patton, many of whom were fit to be discharged, and others fitly and rightly able to be paroled if the necessary homes could be found to receive them upon their release.
To the credit of the club women of the Los Angeles District be it said that their sympathy was aroused, and they recognized that there was a work of social service worthy of attention. A committee was appointed to inves- tigate existing conditions, and it decided that a suitable home for these patients was necessary. Mrs. Clark secured her first contribution from Mrs. E. G. Smead and her sister, Amelia, who generously gave $200, and from that small beginning has grown "Resthaven," established in 1912 and incorporated in 1914. A contribution from Mr. O. T. Johnson of $5,000, made possible the purchase of the lovely old Murietta homestead, now the haven for the unfortunate rescued from the horrors of confinement in an insane asylum.
The committee of five, appointed by the Los Angeles District, com- menced immediately to attend the sessions of the Lunacy Commission at the County Hospital, where Judge Hutton held for want of a court room, the only open-air insanity court in the world. It was not long before they were able to verify Judge Hutton's statements, and found that many of the women held for commitment to Patton were but the victims of unfortunate circumstances that could be controlled. These women were at first but temporarily deranged, could have been cured by a few weeks of quiet and rest. They found that practically nine-tenths of such cases need only care and intelligent "mothering" for a time to be fully recuperated and able to return to home and family.
Resthaven is no longer an experiment, but must be regarded as a necessary adjunct to the Lunacy Court. Since the establishment of "Rest- haven" not a single woman has been sent to Patton for whom there was the slightest hope of recovery. The Board of Directors and managers of "Resthaven" is composed of the following public-spirited women: Mrs. O. P. Clark, president; Dr. Iola Colburn, residing physician and superin- tendent ; Dr. Lottie C. Park, examining physician ; Mrs. Jean McCracken, parole officer; Miss Frances A. Barr, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. E. R. Brainerd ; Mrs. William Baurhyte ; and Miss Blanche Seeley, auditor.
Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Clark have resided in California for thirty-five years, and Mr. Clark is one of the well-known business men of Los Angeles, and secretary and treasurer of the Title and Insurance Trust Company. Mrs. Clark's life is devoted to her home and the carrying on of the work which she inaugurated, and to which she has given such loyal support.
ARTHUR J. BRENNER, D. D. S. In the successful practice of his pro- fession Dr. Brenner maintains his well appointed and modernly equipped offices in Rooms 626-28 Chamber of Commerce Building in the City of Pasadena, and he is not only one of the representative members of his profession in Pasadena but also has a wide circle of friends in the city that has been his home from his boyhood days. He is a son of the late Carl Brenner, to whom a memorial tribute is dedicated on other pages of this publication.
Dr. Brenner was born at Wilton, Iowa, August 24, 1881, and his early education was obtained in the public schools of Pasadena, where the family home was established in 1883, when he was about two years of age. In preparation for his chosen profession the Doctor entered the department of dentistry in the University of Southern California, and from this institu- tion he was graduated as a member of the class of 1908 and with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. On the 15th of August of the same year Dr. Brenner opened his office in Pasadena, and here he has built up a large and representative practice. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Dental Society, the California State Dental Society and the National Dental Association. His political allegiance is given to the republican party.
54
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
he is actively indentified with the local Kiwanis Club, and he and his wife are zealous members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as a director of the Church Brotherhood.
At Mason City, Iowa, on the 31st of August, 1911, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Brenner and Miss Clara R. Wopschall, who was born and reared at that place, a daughter of Augustus Wopschall, who is now deceased, as is also his wife. Dr. and Mrs. Brenner have one child. Pauline Clara.
AUSTIN MUNGER, founder of the corporation of Munger & Munger, engaged in the plumbing, tinning, heating, ventilating and power-plant equipment business in Pasadena, was a resident of this city for thirty-four years prior to his death, which here occurred on the 12th of March, 1921, and he left a large and worthy impress upon the civic and business history of Pasadena and Los Angeles County.
Mr. Munger was born at Berrien Springs, judicial center of Berrien County, Michigan, August 10, 1845, a date that indicates that he was a representative of a pioneer family of that section of the Wolverine State. He received his early education in the schools of Michigan, and his business career was one marked by close application and consecutive advancement. At Amboy, Illinois, he established a tinsmith business that became one of marked success, and upon leaving that state he established himself in the hardware business at Maquoketa, Iowa, where likewise he built up a pros- perous enterprise. Upon coming to California, thirty-five years ago, he passed one year at Fullerton, and he then removed to Pasadena, where he became senior member of the hardware firm of Munger & Griffith. In the early period of his business here he successfully weathered the financial depression that followed a collapsed boom, his careful and honorable poli- cies and mature judgment enabling him to keep his business going when many others failed. He finally purchased the interest of his partner, Mr. Griffith, and in the passing years developed the business into one of the most substantial and prosperous of its kind in Los Angeles County. In 1890 his son Roy R. was admitted to partnership in the business, the firm name of Munger & Munger being still retained, since the business was incorporated. Mr. Munger continued as president of the corporation until his death, though he had been retired practically from active work in the business during the last ten or more years of his life. His son Roy R. succeeded him as president, and is well upholding the high prestige of the family name, both as a reliable and progressive business man and loyal and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Munger's course was ever dominated by a fine spirit of integrity in all the relations of life, he was one of the world's constructive workers and ever commanded the high regard of his fellow- men. He was one of the honored and influential pioneer citizens of Pasadena at the time of his death, and under the management of his only son the business which he founded is successfully continued, the large and well equipped establishment being at 174 East Union Street. He was for many years one of the zealous members and supporters of the First Con- gregational Church of Pasadena, and of this church his widow, Mrs. Mary E. Munger, continues an earnest and active member. Of their two children Roy R. is the elder. Mrs. Herbert L. Eaton, the daughter, resides in Los Angeles. One sister also resides, in Los Angeles, Mrs. L. M. Lane, while two other sisters, Misses Cora and Ellora, reside in Pasadena.
CHARLES KERN FIEDLER. In no other part of our national domain is offered to the skilled landscape architect so great and alluring opportunities for successful achievement as in Southern California, and he whose name initiates this paragraph has here gained high standing and marked profes- sional prestige as a landscape architect and engineer, with residence and business headquarters in the City of Pasadena, where he maintains his offices in the St. Louis Building.
55
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Charles Kern Fiedler was born at West Salem, Ohio, October 22, 1886, and 'is a son of Ferdinand and Mary Aldisa (Kern) Fiedler. Ferdinand Fiedler was one of Ohio's old native sons, always active in business and civic affairs up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1914, at New Philadelphia, Ohio, where his widow still maintains her home, three sons and one daughter surviving the honored father. George R., eldest of the children, is, in 1922, serving as county engineer of Tuscarawas County, Ohio; Mrs. T. E. De Grief resides at New Philadelphia, Ohio; Ferdinand A., the youngest, is sales manager for an important manufacturing con- cern in the City of Detroit, Michigan ; J. H. Fiedler, grandfather of him whose name initiates this sketch, was one of the historic "forty-niners" in the newly discovered gold fields of California, where he remained two vears and met with a large measure of success.
Charles K. Fiedler graduated from the high school at New Philadelphia, Ohio, in 1905, and thereafter he attended the Cleveland School of Art, the University of Ohio, and the school of architecture of the University of Pennsylvania, in which last named institution he was a member of the class of 1910. While attending the University of Pennsylvania Mr. Fiedler was there president of its Ohio Society and member of the Archi- tectural Society, besides being a member of the art board of the college publication known as "The Punch Bowl," the same having been founded more than a century ago.
After leaving the University of Pennsylvania Mr. Fiedler engaged in the practice of his profession in the City of Detroit, Michigan. He is the author of numerous magazine articles on landscape design in connection with architecture. By the mayor of that fair old city he was appointed a member of the Detroit City Plan Commission, for a term of four years, 1916-20, and in 1917 the mayor appointed him also a delegate to the National Conference on City Planning, held at Cleveland, Ohio. He served as a member of the Election Board of Detroit from 1912 to 1914, inclusive. Mr. Fiedler has marked by practical achievement a secure place as a skilled landscape architect and city planner, and in his profession he is making an admirable record since establishing his residence in Pasadena, on the 14th of January, 1920. In June of that year he here opened his office as a con- sulting landscape architect, in the St. Louis Building, where he still main- tains his professional headquarters.
Mr. Fiedler is also at the head of the Nokiter Pharmacal Company of Pasadena, which is manufacturing and placing on the market a splendid remedy for nasal catarrh and hay fever, this preparation being designated as "NOK-KA-TAR" and descriptive literature pertaining to the remedy being available by mail application to the offices of the company. The prescription for this remarkable specific was obtained from an old-time physician by the paternal grandfather of the subject of this review, and has been handed down in the family, while the value of the remedy has been proved through years of practical use. Mr. Fiedler is now manufac- turing and placing the remedy upon the market, and the rapidly increasing demand for the product assures the enterprise a success.
Mr. Fiedler was formerly a member of the Seventh Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, he is affiliated with the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity, is a member of the Flintridge Country Club and University Club at Pasa- dena, and he and his wife hold membership in the Unitarian Church, he being one of the Trustees and president of the Laymen's League of that society.
At Detroit, Michigan, on the 28th of November, 1914, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fiedler and Miss Olga Darmstaetter, who was born in that city, where occurred the death of her father, G. Darmstaetter, and where her widowed mother still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Fiedler have two children, Marguerite Virginia and Helen Lorraine, both of whom were born in Detroit.
56
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
GEORGE F. WILLIS, N. D., D. C. There are many representative citizens of Pasadena, prominent in professional circles and foremost in business affairs, who belong by birth to other sections of the country, but by prefer- ence and sincere interest, know no other home than this beautiful city. A ready example is found in Dr. George F. Willis, a graduate of several schools of medical science, who is also secretary and treasurer of a large and important business concern, the California Alfalfa Products Company of Pasadena.
Dr. Willis was born at Galva, in Henry County, Illinois, March 5, 1874, a son of Samuel and Jane ( Bates ) Willis, the latter of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, has been a resident of Los Angeles, California, for the last ten years. The father of Dr. Willis was born at Sheffield, England, came to the United States and located as a farmer in Illinois, removing to Iowa in 1883, and his death occurred at Mapleton in that state in 1912. He married Jane Bates at Galva, Illinois, and they became the parents of eleven children, all surviving except one son. All of these reside in California.
George F. Willis, the second oldest of his parents' children, attended the public schools of Mapleton, Iowa, and Morningside College at Sioux City, Iowa. He assisted on the home farm in his youth, but when ready to decide concerning his future, found himself looking forward to a pro- fessional career, even when satisfied that he would have to work his way through college in order to secure professional training. This, however, did neither discourage or deter him, and in 1901 he completed his medical course in the Chiropractic College at Castana, Iowa, and received his D. C. degree; later worked his way through an Osteopathic College at Los Angeles, and in 1905 received the N. D. degree from the Naturapathic College at Los Angeles.
Dr. Willis started into practice in 1901 at Mapleton, Iowa, but in a short time removed to Redlands, California, and was engaged in practice there until 1905, when he came to Pasadena, where he has built up a large and satisfactory practice. Additionally he is interested in the California Alfalfa Products Company, chemists and manufacturers, whose products are widely distributed and include the Alvita concentrated vitamine food tablets, an alfalfa soft drink and an alfalfa candy. The company is a half million dollar corporation, and is one of the big business enterprises of Southern California.
Dr. Willis married at San Francisco, California, on September 21, 1915, Miss Lucy H. Ramidis, who was born and educated at Redlands, California. Dr. and Mrs. Willis are rearing a niece. Evelyn Brodell, who has been with them for two years, an attractive and winsome child. Their beautiful home is at No. 2485 Highland Avenue, Altadena, while the Doctor main- tians his offices in the Slavin Building, Pasadena.
In his political views Dr. Willis is a republican. He is prominently identified with several representative fraternal organizations, being a mem- ber of Pasadena Lodge No. 38, Knights of Pythias, and trustee of the same, also a past chancellor commander and past district deputy in the order, and is a life member of Pasadena Lodge No. 672, Elks, of which he was chaplain for two years. He belongs also to the Lions Club of Pasadena and is a member of its Board of Directors.
VICTOR LEIGH WARD, of Pasadena, has been a member of the California bar since 1897 and in the active general practice of his profession. He was born in the City of London, England, on the 26th of December, 1869, and is a son of Edwin and Georgina Isabella (Butt) Ward. The father gained distinction as a naturalist, and upon coming to the United States, in 1884, he settled with his family on the ranch which he purchased in the San Gabriel Valley. Later removal was made to Long Beach, but within a comparatively short time thereafter the family returned to the ranch, and in 1887 removal was made to Pasadena. Edwin Ward died in 1905, and his wife survived him two years. Of their children two sons and one daughter attained to maturity, the subject of this sketch being the youngest
57
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
of the three. The son Herbert achieved fame as a sculptor, and his career was one of eventful order. As a sculptor he won the gold medal awarded by the art authorities of France, only seven other foreigners having been thus honored at that time. He was for eight years engaged in exploration work in Africa, and while he was with the party of the distinguished explorer Stanley, he was the only one of the company aside from Stanley himself who could understand the language of the various native tribes. Herbert Ward sacrificed his life in the late World war, he having entered the ambulance service in France and having received injuries which there resulted in his death in 1919. The one surviving daughter in the family circle is Mrs. Madaline G. Kirk of Long Beach, California.
Victor Leigh Ward gained his youthful education in his native land at Dover College. He studied law in the office and under the preceptorship of Walter S. Wright, and was admitted to the bar of California in October. 1897. For many years and up to 1906 he was a member of the law firm of Wright, Bell & Ward of Pasadena, and thereafter he "paddled his own canoe."
Mr. Ward is a staunch advocate of the principles of the republican party. He is a member of Corona Lodge No. 234, A. F. and A. M., also of Pasa- dena Commandery of Knights Templar.
June 18, 1902, recorded the marriage of Mr. Ward and Miss Clara Carpenter, who was born in the State of Iowa. The early education which she there received was supplemented by attendance at Pasadena schools. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have two sons and one daughter, namely: Roderick Charles, Victor C., Jr., and Marjorie Ward.
WALTER E. Foss. Many generations back the name of Foss became known in New England, three sturdy brothers of that name crossing the Atlantic Ocean to throw in their fortunes with the struggling colonists. One brother settled in Maine, another in New Hampshire and the third in Massachusetts. The name has been worthily borne ever since, even in the councils of the nation, though largely it has been in business and industrial life that it has been most important. A descendant of the New Hampshire branch of this old family is found in Walter E. Foss, a representative citizen and substantial business man of Pasadena, of which city he has been a valued resident for fifteen years.
Walter E. Foss was born at Deerfield, New Hampshire, March 7, 1862, a son of William J. and Jerusha S. (Pettingill) Foss, both of whom have passed away, the father at the age of eighty-four years and the mother a few years younger. Of their nine children, four sons and five daughters. two sons and two daughters survive, Walter E. being the only one residing in California. The father of Mr. Foss was born at Gilmanton, New Hamp- shire, and spent his life in his native state. From the age of sixteen years until six months before his death he worked as a blacksmith, and few men of his trade even then were more expert at the forge.
Walter E. Foss obtained his education in the public schools of Gilman- ton, New Hampshire. When eighteen years old he went to Pittsfield, New Hampshire, where he learned the plumbing and sheet metal trade, in which he has continued to be active for over forty years, and was in business for himself at Pittsfield for ten years before coming to Pasadena in 1907. at first alone and later with partners, under the name of Foss & Osgood and Nutter & Foss. After reaching Pasadena Mr. Foss worked at his trade for others for one year, and then went into business for himself, under the firm name of Warner & Foss. Later Mr. Jones entered the firm, and the name was changed to the Warner, Foss, Jones Company. Two years later they bought the Warner interest and since then the firm name has been Foss & Jones. It is a substantial, well managed business, including plumbing, heating and ventilating, giving thirty-five skilled men work in the sheet metal factory and manufacturing the well known Glee-wood line of gas heating furnaces. While in business in the East Mr. Foss handled general hardware in addition to his other lines.
58
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
At Pittsfield, New Hampshire, Mr. Foss married, on September 14, 1886, Miss Alice H. Green, a daughter of David L. and Hannah C. (Tilton) Green, descendants of old Colonial families. Mr. and Mrs. Foss have one daughter, Freda Evelyn, born at Pittsfield and a graduate of the high school at Pasadena, who is gifted in music and an accomplished teacher of both piano and violin. Mr. Foss is the only member of his family to vote the republican ticket, but he has never accepted a public office. He is a member of Corinthian Lodge No. 82, A. F. and A. M., of Pittsfield, New Hamp- shire, and belongs also to Crown City Lodge, Odd Fellows, at Pasadena. The firm of Foss & Jones is one of the progressive business houses of the city and belongs to the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and to the Mer- chants Association of Pasadena. The headquarters of the firm at Pasadena are at 28 East Union Street, and they have a branch office in the Metro- politan Building, Los Angeles.
JUDGE KENNETH CUTHBERT NEWELL is a young lawyer of pronounced character, whether considered from the standpoint of his professional attain- ments or from the viewpoint of progressive citizenship. He was formerly a member of the well-established Pasadena firm of Landreth, Musick & Newell, until becoming justice of the peace of Pasadena Township. His appointment to this post, in February, 1922, was a substantial tribute to his standing as a lawyer and citizen.
Judge Newell is a native son of California, his birth having occurred at Lamanda Park, which is now a part of Pasadena, October 27, 1890. He is a son of Harley F. and Ida M. (Hayman) Newell, who reside at Pasa- dena, where the father is now engaged in the real estate business. Harley F. Newell was constable of Pasadena Township for more than twenty years, and has served also as a city commissioner of Pasadena. He and his wife, natives respectively of Illinois and Ohio, came from the former state to California about 1887 and established their home at Lamanda Park. Of their two children Kenneth Cuthbert is the elder, and the younger. Mabel F .. is the wife of Robert M. McMaster, of Redondo Beach. Los Angeles County.
After his graduation from the Pasadena High School, as a member of the class of 1910, Kenneth Cuthbert Newell completed his academic or literary education in the University of Southern California, at Los Angeles, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and from the law department of which he received in 1916 the degree of Doctor of Juris- prudence. He was admitted to the bar of his native state at that time and initiated the independent practice of his profession in the same year, choos- ing Pasadena as the scene of his activities. His practice was interrupted by nearly two years of service in the United States Navy in the period of the World war, he having been for ten months in the United States Naval Training Station at San Pedro, California, and eleven months at the Naval Training Station at Mare Island, where he received his commission as ensign. After receiving his honorable discharge from the navy Judge Newell returned to his practice at Pasadena, where in 1919 he became a member of the law firm of Landreth, Musick & Newell. This association continued with mutual satisfaction and success until February 1, 1922, when he was appointed by the Board of County Supervisors to the office of justice of the peace of Pasadena Township to fill an unexpired term left uncompleted by the resignation of Judge Raymond G. Thompson. This term expires January 1, 1923, but he was re-elected at the August primaries for four years. Judge Newell's offices are situated at 246 Chamber of Commerce.
Judge Newell is a member of the Republican Central Committee of Los Angeles County and of the Pasadena Bar Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association ; holds membership in the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the local Kiwanis Club and the Cauldron Club, and the Union League Club of Los Angeles, and is likewise an active member of thé Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. He is affiliated with the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.