USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego county, California; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 16
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
STANLEY R. HOFFLUND.
Stanley R. Hofflund, well known as a representative of real-estate activity in San Diego, was born in Galesburg, Illinois, April 5, 1883, his parents being Alexander and Matilda Hofflund. His youthful days were spent in his native city where he entered the public schools. Removing to Chicago and continuing his studies he completed the high school course in Evanston, where he graduated from Evanston high school. His residence on the Pacific Coast dates from 1899, in which year he made his way to the El Cajon valley, where he operated a ranch. Subsequently he joined his brother, organizing a business under the name of the Hofflund Brothers. They were not long in building up a large and flourish-
147
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
ing trade which they conducted for some time when he sold his interests to his brother, who still conducts the business. Stanley R. Hofflund then came to San Diego where he entered real-estate circles in connection with J. F. Cullen. He began selling property with splendid success and while connected with Mr. Cullen handled some of the largest estates of this part of the country, notably the Cardiff property, well known all over the coast. He became thoroughly acquainted with the real-estate market and the property for sale in the city and surrounding territory and finally he determined to engage in business inde- pendently. He therefore opened an office in the new Spreckels building where he is conducting a business specializing in acreage and subdivision properties. Already he has won a good clientage and his patrons find that he is thoroughly conversant with everything bearing upon the real-estate field.
Mr. Hofflund is an enterprising, progressive young business man and is also popular in social circles of the city. He holds membership with the Order of Panama and with the San Diego Rowing Club. He is, moreover, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is interested in all of its projects for the upbuild- ing and welfare of southern California. He possesses exceptional energy and business ability and, recognizing the fact that industry and determination can overcome difficulties and obstacles, he has gradually worked his way upward. He is a believer in San Diego's future because of his recognition of the natural resources of the country and is an enthusiastic champion of the city.
HERBERT M. STILES.
Herbert M. Stiles is one of the enterprising and progressive young men of San Diego, who have founded their success in business upon special training in one line of work and long familiarity with its methods and details. Since 1893 he has been engaged in poultry-raising and during the last four years has made his experience practical in the successful conduct of the business operated by the Stiles Poultry Supply Company at 414 to 430 Sixth street, of which he is sole proprietor. He was born in Wabaunsee county, Kansas, December 11, 1871, and is a son of Hiram A. and Mary A. Stiles.
At the age of fourteen, having completed his education in the public schools of his native section, Herbert M. Stiles came with his parents to Spring Valley, San Diego county, where he engaged in fruit growing until 1893. In that year he came into the city and established himself in the poultry-raising business, in which he continued until 1908, when he organized the Stiles Poultry Supply Company. He carries a general line of poultry and beekeepers' supplies, feed, etc., and makes it his aim to keep his stock full and his lines complete, representing besides some of the foremost firms along his lines of business. Since the business was founded his patronage has increased year by year as his upright and straight- forward methods have become more generally known, and of late the extension of his trade has necessitated a change to a more advantageous location, 414 to 430 Sixth street, where an entirely modern and up-to-date establishment is fitted up, a number of new lines having been added since the change was made. His suc-
148
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
cess is well merited since it is founded upon well directed endeavor, steady per- severance and conscientious work.
Mr. Stiles was married in San Francisco, July 28, 1902, to Miss Bell Eaves and they have two children : Lucile E., aged eight ; and Herbert M., Jr., who is four years of age. The family home is at No. 3815 Washington avenue and there Mr. and Mrs. Stiles extend a warm-hearted hospitality to their many friends. Mr. Stiles' politics are independent, and his religious views are in accord with those of the Congregational church. Public opinion is undivided concerning his business qualifications and his position in the esteem of his associates is high and important. He is well known not only for the prosperity which he has achieved in his chosen line of work but also by reason of the straightforward methods which he has always followed.
GEORGE N. HITCHCOCK.
San Diego's promoters in recent years have builded a city of notable beauty, a city also imbued with a spirit of unfaltering enterprise where all the advan- tages of education and culture may be enjoyed, and in the promotion of its inter- ests there has been no neglect of the higher, holier duties of life which have their root in Christian teaching and faith. Every force that has gone to make San Diego an ideal city, every effort to uphold its intellectual and moral standard has received the indorsement of George N. Hitchcock, and when death called him the news of his passing brought a sense of personal bereavement to the hundreds of San Diego citizens who were glad and proud to call him friend. His memory remains in the hearts of those who knew him, enshrined in the halo of a gracious presence and a charming cordiality.
Mr. Hitchcock was a native of Boston, Massachusetts, born February 24, 1843, his parents being David K. and Abby H. Hitchcock. The former was a prominent dentist of Boston who later removed with his family to Newton, where George N. Hitchcock, the second of six brothers, attended a private preparatory school, qualifying him for entrance to Yale in 1860. He was graduated therefrom in 1864 and the Civil war being then in progress he spent the succeeding six months in Christian commission office at City Point, Virginia. Other activities claimed his attention until 1867, during which period, however, he had ever in mind his purpose of becoming a member of the legal profession and in that year he won his LL. B. degree from the Harvard College Law School. He was then admitted to practice before the Suffolk bar and entered upon the active work of the profession in Boston. The opportunities of the growing west, however, attracted him and in July, 1869, he arrived in San Diego, California, remaining thereafter a representative and honored member of the bar of this city, special- izing largely in that department of law relating to land claims. His professional duties, however, no matter how important and extensive, constituted but one phase of his existence. He was a man who never neglected nor slighted the duties and obligations of citizenship and was at all times actuated by a progressive spirit that sought the benefit and advancement of others as well as of himself.
Cro b. Hitchcok
151
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Urged on, therefore, by a deep interest in the welfare of his fellowmen, he took a prominent part in promoting educational interests of the city and state and in 1883 became county superintendent of schools of San Diego county, which posi- tion he filled for three years. In 1888 he was chosen city superintendent of schools and so continued for three years. Still his activity in behalf of intellectual progress did not cease for through many years he was secretary of the San Diego Lyceum of Science and was one of the California directors of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. He likewise served as secretary of the San Diego Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was an officer of the Humane Society and was vice president of the San Diego Floral Association. He had the keenest sympathy for the oppressed and side by side with this was the deepest love for the beautiful as seen in all phases of nature. He became one of the founders of the First Presbyterian church and for thirty years was teacher of an adult Bible class in the Sunday school, during which entire period he was absent only on two or three occasions from the meetings of the class. As a teacher he was earnest and forceful and clear in his expositions while his example was ever sane and helpful. It was his custom each Sunday to bring a great collection of flowers to the church and every member of his class received a floral gift, while still other beautiful specimens were reserved for the aged and weary. He was par- ticularly interested in the study of botany and also of ornithology and astronomy, and his own thought was constantly quickened by his reading, investigation and research.
On the 30th of April, 1891, Mr. Hitchcock was married to Ellen Monroe Cobb, a friend of his youth, who survives him. He passed away in San Diego, Novem- ber 21, 1907, when yet in the prime of life, being about sixty-four years of age. His memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him and in every connection where he was active he has been greatly missed. He was particularly generous to the poor and needy and almost literally followed the Biblical injunc- tion not to let the left hand know what the right was doing. He would say on bestowing charity : "Don't you say anything about it and I won't." Some of his closest associates spoke of him as one "Who had an active interest in society, one who was faithful in friendship, equable and just to all men, kind and sympa- thetic in his nature and a wise counselor whose high sense of honor at all times characterized his professional and private life." Another wrote: "I met him on E street about noon-time and we stopped and spoke of business conditions as effected by the money market; he appeared well and took a helpful, hopeful view of the situation. His last sentence, as he turned to leave, has been in my mind many times : 'This is a good time for people to be considerate of each other's needs; we can each be helpful and make the situation easier of solution.' This was a fine thought to express in words, to which actions stand as witness for him." David A. Leisk in Comments said: "Mr. Hitchcock was a man who was devoted to his wife and home and spent a great deal of his time in the cultivation of flowers, a work in which he was ably assisted by his wife. We all know where most of these flowers went, who have been recipients from time to time of such bounty, for both Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock delighted in giving them away so that others as well might enjoy their beauty and fragrance. In the midst of this strenuous life with its constant temptation to corruption and fraud which has, and is, con-
152
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
stantly drawing many of our public men into its vortex of degradation, we turn with a feeling of thankfulness to such a man as George N. Hitchcock, who was pure and strong enough to live above it all. He left behind him the example of a straightforward life, the probity of a man of honor and a gentleman. His memory will ever rise before us with the fragrance of noble actions and be an example to ourselves and our children of the possibility of living true to our ideal. His was a humanitarian spirit which loved to do good to its kind and which was constant in the effort. He is not dead; they who live lives such as he lived stamp their immortality upon the ages of time and from the horizon of eternity continue to bless their fellows in the larger ministration of the spirit."
GEORGE B. KEITH.
In the field of real-estate activity George B. Keith is known as the presi- dent of the George B. Keith Company. What he has accomplished represents the wise use of his time, talents and energies, laudable ambition prompting him in his various business connections. Illinois claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Vienna, that state, on the 24th of April, 1882, his parents being John T. and India A. (Goissom) Keith. In the year 1883 they removed to Doniphan, Missouri, where at the usual age of six years, George B. Keith entered the public schools, which he attended until he had acquired a fair knowledge of the many branches of English learning. He afterward went to southwestern Missouri and obtained a situation in a drug store, in which, he was employed until 1904. Interesting tales of the west and the chances for advancement here attracted him to the coast and, coming to San Diego, he began buying and selling property, conducting business at the present time under the name of the George B. Keith Company. In this he has been very successful, acquainting himself thoroughly with property values and nego- tiating many important realty transfers from which he has derived a sub- stantial and well merited income. Foremost among his activities along real- estate development is the City Heights tract, now known as East San Diego, a prosperous, thriving little city of over four thousand inhabitants. He fur- thermore has been one of the city's most extensive home builders.
On June 3, 1903, Mr. Keith was united in marriage to Miss Zula E. Glascock, of Webb City, Missouri, her death occurring in San Diego in Jan- uary, 1908. On the 23d of July, 1910, he wedded, in this city, Miss Edith M. Dunn, a daughter of Matthew and Barbara (Brown) Dunn, of Great Falls, Montana. He is a democrat in his political views but not a politician in the sense of office seeking. A member of the Realty Board, he has acted for some time as secretary of the old board before its reorganization. He is also on the roster of the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of East San Diego, being among those who always stand on the front in inducing pro- motional measures for further growth and expansion. He also is a member of the Order of Panama and his fraternal connections consist of membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, while he is a popular and well known rep-
153
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
resentative of the Cuyamaca and Country Clubs. His recreation consists mostly of motoring, indulging in long tours through the back country, which appeals to him with its charms and in its vastness. He has but recently completed his third decade and has won a gratifying place in business circles for one of his years, having achieved a measure of prosperity that many an older man might well envy.
AUGUST SENSENBRENNER.
The real builders and developers of any city are men who promote general commercial activity by establishing profitable business enterprises. One factory in a flourishing condition affects the prosperity of many people, not only those to whom it offers employment but all whose interests are affected by increased expan- sion. Among the men whose activities along industrial lines are forces in the con- tinued growth of San Diego is August Sensenbrenner, proprietor of the Cabrillo cigar factory at Nos. 957 to 959 Fourth street, one of the largest and most capably managed institutions of its kind in the city. Mr. Sensenbrenner is one of the many able business men whom Germany has given to America. He was born in Meisenheim, Baden, in 1855, a son of Christian and Eva (Welsh) Sensen- brenner, and was apprenticed in a cigar factory in the city of Lahr when he was a mere boy. Thus his present success is another example of the value of special training from an early age. He worked in various parts of Germany until he was sixteen years old and then came to America, working at his trade in different cities on the Atlantic coast until 1878. In that year he came to California and established a factory of his own in San Francisco, where he remained for some time. However, the more equable climate of San Diego induced him to locate in this city and in 1887 he established here a small cigar factory, which through enterprise, energy and honest business methods he has developed to its present large proportions. He employs over one hundred people in his various depart- ments and his weekly pay-roll furnishes not only the means of support to his employes but adds a considerable sum to the general wealth of the city. His factory is comprised of general working room, packing and assorting rooms, stripping rooms and a stock room. Mr. Sensenbrenner has always paid scrupu- lous attention to cleanliness, considering this one of the essential requisites to first- class workmanship which has always been the policy of his enterprise. In order to produce the best quality of goods, the finest and choicest raw material in leaf tobacco is procured from the best markets of the world and brought to San Diego. Havana and Sumatra leaf are used in all high-grade cigars and the cost some times approximates nine dollars per pound. Next in quality is the choice Mexican and Connecticut leaf. Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin furnish some excellent leaf for the lower priced cigars. These different kinds of raw tobacco all have inferior and superior grades, requiring an experienced person in their selection and purchase. This difficult task has found a man who is eminently capable in its performance in Mr. Sensenbrenner and his good judgment has con- tributed to a great extent to the superiority of his cigars of all grades and has made his products very popular in San Diego and throughout the state. One of
154
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
the important departments of the factory is the storage room, where the leaf tobacco is kept in large quantities in the well ventilated basement of the building. Tobacco must be kept where it is neither too dry nor too damp and protected against vermin of any kind. The concrete floor and walls of this basement make it an ideal place for the purpose for which it is used. All the other departments of Mr. Sensenbrenner's factory are equally adequate and his patronage has steadily increased as his ability has become more widely known. He manufactures many brands of cigars at various prices, all made of carefully selected. stock and by expert workmen. For the accommodation of his patrons he carries a full line of smoking and chewing tobacco, cigarettes, smokers' articles and everything con- nected with the tobacco trade, which he sells at the lowest wholesale margin to retail purchasers. His various brands of cigars which have gained great popular- ity are Santa Fe, Cabrillo, La Excelencia, Director General, Home Industry, Emblem and Cupid.
Mr. Sensenbrenner was married in 1888 to Miss Matilda Fritz, a daughter of Louis and Magdalena (Fritz) Fritz, and a native of West Point, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sensenbrenner were the parents of two children, August, Jr., and Louis, who are both associated in business with their father. On December 22, 1910, Mrs. Sensenbrenner passed away, deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of friends.
In his political views Mr. Sensenbrenner is a republican, taking an active interest in the questions of the day although he does not aspire to public office. Any measure undertaken to promote the growth and development of San Diego finds in him an able supporter and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade, the Manufacturers Association and the Merchants Associa- tion he finds often occasion to promote movements which result in commercial expansion. Other associations which indicate more or less of his interests out- side of business are with the Elks, the Turnverein and the Sons of Herman, It is impossible to estimate the value to the city of Mr. Sensenbrenner's activities during the twenty-five years of his residence here. He has built up within the limits of San Diego a modern, thoroughly equipped and intelligently managed industrial institution, which by its rapid expansion along legitimate lines has been one of the most potent forces in the general commercial activity, which means growth.
GEORGE W. HAZZARD.
The real builders and promoters of San Diego are the men who came into the city when it was an unorganized village, founded business enterprises, devel- oped the resources of the surrounding sections, established trade relations and put into movement the beginnings of commercial activity. They are the men who, having made a start, extend and expand their interests with the develop- ment of the city, study conditions, use opportunities and gradually by their work and executive ability become potent forces in municipal growth. Prominent among the men whose names have been connected with the early settlement and business history of San Diego is George W. Hazzard, who sailed into San
155
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Diego bay from San Francisco on December 8, 1868, and who from that time to this has never severed his connection with commercial interests of the city. He was born in Cambridge City, Wayne county, Indiana, in February, 1845.
When the subject of this review was an infant his father died and George W. Hazzard lived in his native city with his mother and attended the district schools until he was fourteen years of age. At that time he moved to Delaware county and in April, 1861, when he was only sixteen, he answered Lincoln's first call for seventy-five thousand volunteers. At this time,' however, he was rejected on account of his size but, undiscouraged by this setback, he two years later entered the marine service. From this he was obliged to resign on account of ill health but in 1864 he reenlisted and was retained as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry and was detailed to service in Alabama. After the war he returned to his native state and clerked in a store in Cambridge City until he was twenty-two years of age. After a brief period of residence in Michigan he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He was one of three passengers on the boat which sailed into San Diego bay from San Francisco on December 8, 1868. When the party disem- barked they were rowed near shore by the sailors and were then met by Indians who brought them through the surf to the city. They found here a little vil- lage of one hundred people, with all the aspects of a small western town. Mr. Hazzard remained here only a short time and then went into the surrounding districts, where he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in the Otay valley. After filing his papers and proving his title he found that he was unable to improve the land and he therefore secured work upon a ranch in the Para- dise valley, where he remained for four months. During this time he received an offer for his government claim, which he accepted and with the proceeds bought ten acres in Paradise valley. This tract he later sold and returned to San Diego, where in 1869, at the corner of Fifth and I streets, he opened the first grocery store in the city. In 1871 National City came into prominence as one of the future great communities of southern California. It was rumored that Tom Scott intended to make the place the terminus of his overland rail- road and, influenced by these reports, Mr. Hazzard determined to remove to National City. He remained there three years but during the period San Diego was growing rapidly and Mr. Hazzard, being a shrewd and able business man, at once recognized its superior advantages and its future promise. He accord- ingly returned and at once began the erection of a brick business block, one of the first in the city. This still stands at the corner of Sixth and H streets and has been added to from time to time. Mr. Hazzard here established a general mer- chandise store and continued to conduct it until 1882, when he sold out to Silli- man & Company of San Francisco and went into the real-estate business, with which he has been connected since that time. He is interested in city property and built four beautiful homes in San Diego, which he later sold. He deals also in farms and is known as one of the expert judges of land values in San Diego and is a man who has done as much as any individual to exploit and develop the city and county. In 1882 he became interested in mining and bought the Hubbard mine in the Banner district, and this has proved a profitable source of income ever since.
156
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Mr. Hazzard married in 1870 Miss Alice Curtis, a native of South Caro- lina, and they have three children: George H .; Henry C .; and Louisa, the wife of Paul Bancroft. The family are well known socially in the city and Mr. Hazzard has extensive fraternal affiliations. He joined the Odd Fellows in December, 1869, and is the oldest initiated member of the order in this part of the state. He belongs to San Diego Lodge, No. 153, and has filled all the chairs. He is also a charter member of San Diego Lodge, No. 28, K. P., and active in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic. As a man who was, so to speak, in at the beginning of San Diego's development he has made full use of his unusual opportunities and gradually his shrewd business instincts, his expanding interests and the growth of his commercial affiliations have drawn him into important relations with various lines of business and made him one of the deservedly prominent men in the city. He is connected with many of the important enterprises in San Diego, with most of which he has been associated since their foundation. He was one of the incorporators of the San Diego Water Company and for a number of years served as a director. He was one of the incorporators of the City Gas Company and is the largest stockholder in the Masonic Building Association. Since the organization of the Chamber of Commerce he has been an active member of that body and he served with ability and discrimination for two terms as its president. Such men are justly numbered among the builders of a community. Mr. Hazzard has been connected with the pioneer settlement and the later upbuilding of San Diego and is one of the greatest individual forces in its present development. His extensive relations include almost every phase of city life and his individual success has an added importance from its influence upon general expansion.
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.