USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego county, California; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 19
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Mr. Lawrence came from Canada to San Diego in the year 1911 and pur- chased the business of the Westcott Realty Company. Thoroughly, conversant with the customs of Canada and the high business standard there maintained of giving a square deal to every man, he has his motto of "Absolute Straight- forwardness" in a conspicuous place in his office and follows it in all his deal- ings. This has secured for him a large clientele among the best people of San Diego with whom he has made hosts of friends since coming here, and his office is also headquarters for the Canadian people who visit southern California or expect to take up their abode here. He has acquainted himself with every phase of the real-estate market and has already negotiated important property transfers and conducted several notable sales.
Recently Mr. Lawrence has associated himself with D. L. Newcomb in the introduction of several moderately priced amusement devices of which they are joint patentees and owners. These devices, while designed primarily for public- school grounds, are equally well adapted for private playgrounds and amuse- ment parks. They are calculated to supply the necessary exercise for the proper development of the chest and arms of children and at the same time provide exhilarating amusement combined with safety. One of them, known as the "double trolley aerial ride," accommodates from two to six or even more persons and is the only trolley ride operated by the occupants without leaving the seats. Gravity is the principle employed in operating and the adjustment of the incline is made with ease by any child that is old enough to operate an or- dinary swing. In comparison with the swing, however, the double trolley ride is safe and one of them has been installed in the public playground No. I at San Diego.
Mr. Lawrence was married to Isabella Ferguson McKenzie, also a native of Canada. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence were born two children, a daughter and a son. Mrs. Lawrence belongs to a family long distinguished for its artis- tic inclinations, her uncle, the late Sir James Ferguson, being for twenty-five years a renowned artist and draftsman in the British war office of London. Mrs. Lawrence, who holds a diploma from the Ontario Art School of Toronto, Canada, takes a deep interest in water color and china painting, exercising her talents in that direction. She has a studio at 1424 F street and many pre- miums and prizes have been awarded her work at various art exhibitions in Ontario.
Deeply interested in scientific studies, Mr. Lawrence served in the capacity of president of the Archaeological Institute of Collingwood, Ontario. As
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secretary of the Canadian Society of this city he comes in contact with most of his countrymen located in these parts or who visit southern California. While in Canada he also served in the capacity of justice of the peace in Simcoe county, Ontario. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have gained social popularity during the period of their residence in San Diego, although it is of compara- tively short duration, and Mr. Lawrence is fast gaining the high regard, con- fidence and good-will of his colleagues and contemporaries in the business world.
M. REGINALD VALENZUELA.
M. Reginald Valenzuela is practicing law in San Diego. The life of few men is fraught with so many and varied adventures as has been that of Mr. Valenzuela, who is not only familiar with the history of the southwest but has also been an extensive traveler in other countries, studying life at first hand as ex- emplified by different races and peoples in various lands. He was born in the state of California when it was still largely an undeveloped region, at Stockton, on the 14th of November, 1855. He was largely reared in Oakland, California, where he first attended the public school, taught by John Warner, and he after- ward went to Tucson, Arizona, where he engaged in clerking in a store for a time. When conditions in the southwest made it imperative that military sta- tions be maintained at various places he joined the army and from 1870 until 1873 was with Captain Rowell, who was quartermaster of Company G of the Twenty-third United States Infantry, then at Fort Yuma, California. With the development of the western coast he became identified with commercial interests in Los Angeles as clerk in a store there and in 1880 removed to San Diego, where he occupied the position of head salesman for the New York & Boston Combination Company, Dauer & Westover, proprietors. Later he was employed by J. G. Capron in the building of the Santa Fe Railroad, acting as time clerk and storekeeper when that line was extended across the uninhabited desert to connect southern California with the older civilization of the south and east. Subsequently Mr. Valenzuela entered upon the study of law with Colonel V. E. Howard, of Los Angeles, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar of California in 1889. Since that time he has practiced his profession in San Diego and has a good clientage. While his career at the present time is perhaps less eventful and more prosaic than in the earlier days, he has won for himself a place as a substantial and representative citizen and his work in the courts has given proof of the fact that he is largely familiar with the fundamental principles of law and seldom at fault in the application of a legal principle.
The varied experiences and incidents which constitute chapters in the life history of Mr. Valenzuela include service as deputy district attorney, under General Johnson Jones, of San Diego county. He has, moreover, traveled ex- tensively in the west and in the Orient, bringing to bear on subjects relating to the far east a knowledge that comes from actual experience and observation. At a period antedating the present era of development and progress he did duty under Captain Fred Lawson, who was the head of the Morse detective firm
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of San Francisco. This was in 1884, and in 1893 he served under George E. Gard, United States marshal at Los Angeles. In 1895 he was with Mark Twain on his trip through Mexico and translated the speeches of America's greatest humorist to the Mexicans.
In 1889 Mr. Valenzuela was married to Miss Mary Bostick, a native of Missouri. He holds membership with California Parlor No. 5 of the Native Sons of the Golden West and is a past chief ranger of the Ancient Order of Foresters, with which he has been connected for twenty-eight years. Few men of his age can claim as long connection with the southwest and its development as M. Reginald Valenzuela, his experiences having been of a varied and inter- esting character such as have formed the history of a region that, once arid, has become a garden spot of the world.
ERNEST A. PLANT, D. O.
Dr. Ernest A. Plant, one of the best known osteopathic physicians in California and one of the early residents in San Diego, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1877, a son of William E. and Sarah A. Plant. When he was but six years of age his parents brought him to San Diego, but they afterward returned east in order that he might pursue his education. Dr. Plant often speaks of the hardships of travel in those early days and the special inconveniences to be met in the long journey across the continent. When he first came to San Diego the city was merely a little country village, the old Pacific wharf was the fishing place and innumerable pelicans and sea gulls seldom failed to snatch the newly caught fish from the lines. Dr. Plant can remember well the early days and can tell many interesting tales of those times. When he returned to California with his diploma from the American School of Osteopathy he settled in Los Angeles, where he practiced several years before yielding to the lure of San Diego, and its unique La Jolla now claims him. He has done a great deal to gain widespread acceptance of the doctrines of his particular school, which looks upon the human body as a machine and upon the osteopathic physician as its expert mechanic. Dr. Plant keeps in touch with the most advanced thought of his profession by membership in all its leading organizations. He has built up a large and steadily growing practice and today is recognized as one of the most conscientious, able and progressive physicians in La Jolla.
J. A. MATHEWSON.
J. A. Mathewson, a pioneer merchant of Coronado, established the first grocery store in the city more than a quarter of a century ago and has conducted the same continuously since, being at present also the proprietor of two other similar establishments here. His birth occurred in Madison county, New York, in 1850, and the first seventeen years of his life were spent on a farm. In 1870 he journeyed westward to Hamilton, White Pine county, Nevada, where his
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brother, James, had preceded him and was engaged in the mercantile business. He worked in his brother's store for ten years and on the expiration of that period, in 1880, came with him to California, James Mathewson passing away shortly after his arrival in this state. J. A. Mathewson then made his way to Vacaville, Solano county, California, and was there engaged in fruit raising for a time. In December, 1886, he came to Coronado and opened the first store in the town, at the corner of Second street and Orange avenue, where he has con- ducted business with gratifying success to the present time. He likewise has another store nearer the center of the town and also conducts a grocery estab- lishment at the tented city. In each he carries a complete line of staple and fancy groceries and is accorded a liberal patronage because of his fair prices and honorable dealing. For the past twenty-five years he has also served as agent in Coronado for the Firemen's Fund Insurance Company. Being a man of good business ability, sound judgment and enterprise, he well deserves the pros- perity which has crowned his efforts and is widely recognized as one of the re- spected and substantial citizens of San Diego county.
In 1880 Mr. Mathewson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Nevelle, a na- tive of New York, by whom he has three children, as follows: Maud, the wife of A. W. Nussner; Arthur, who is associated with his father in business and a graduate of Stafford University with the class of 1906; and Mabel, who gave her hand in marriage to Lieutenant Davis of the United States navy. Mr. Mathewson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and at one time served as city trustee. His good qualities, and they are many, have strongly en- deared him to those with whom he has been associated and wherever he is known he is popular with a large circle of friends.
HOMER H. PETERS, JR.
Among the forces which have contributed to the substantial development and upbuilding of southern California there is none more potent than the operations of progressive real-estate men, to which class belongs Homer H. Peters, Jr., who for the past five years has been secretary and treasurer of the Homeland Improve- ment Company, one of the largest realty concerns of the coast. His youthful days were passed in the middle west. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 12th of June, 1886, a son of Homer H. and Mary (Gleason) Peters. With the removal of the family to Chicago he acquired his education in the schools of that city and was graduated from one of its manual training schools. He con- tinued a resident of the metropolis of the middle west until he came to the Pacific coast in 1900 and for the past ten years he has made his home in San Diego. Seeing the great possibilities for growth and development in this city he deter- mined that he would become a factor, however humble, in its progress, and turn- ing his attention to property interests he made a thorough study of the real- estate business and for the past five years has been secretary and treasurer of a company operating extensively in property holdings and negotiations and is now connected with the Rood-Peters Company. At the present writing he is engaged in promoting some exceptionally exclusive realty projects. No task seems too Vol. II-10
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great for his enterprise and ability. He does not overestimate his own strength but he recognizes the fact that in the end industry wins and from each expe- rience of life he has learned the lessons that it has contained. Business men recognize that he is exceptionally well trained and capable in the line of activity in which he is engaged, and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the younger representatives of the real-estate business here.
In June, 1908, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Susie May Wood and they have two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Peters are well known, having gained a large circle of warm friends here. The history of the east is largely written; that of California is in the making and among the builders and promoters of the enter- prising cities found along the coast Homer H. Peters, Jr., although a young man, deserves to be classed. He realizes that there is much to do and is willing to bear his share, and while seeking that success which is the legitimate reward of business effort he at the same time manifests a public-spirited devotion to the general good that finds tangible expression in his cooperation with efforts for the improvement and upbuilding of the city along many lines.
REV. JAMES W. COLLINS.
For more than ten years the Rev. Father James W. Collins has labored to extend the interests and influence of Catholicism on the Pacific coast and his efforts have been productive of far-reaching results. He was born at Washing- ton, D. C., on the 19th of December, 1852, and after a thorough and careful preparation for the priesthood, having determined to devote his life to the holy calling in which he is now engaged, he was ordained at Woodstock College, Maryland, in 1887, by His Eminence Cardinal Gibbons. Immediately afterward he received appointment to the position of vice president of the Georgetown University in Washington, D. C., and after two years passed there and in various eastern cities, he spent ten years in Illinois. He devoted himself so strenuously to the work that his health became undermined and in 1904 he was sent to Cal- ifornia, being assigned to pastoral duties at Coronado church which at that time was heavily in debt. He bent his energies toward clearing the church property of its indebtedness and so successful were his labors that not only was this accom- plished but he has also erected here a parochial residence, has installed new altars and furnishings in the church and has expended a considerable sum in street grading and in general improvements about the grounds. In this work he has had the cooperation not only of the people of his own parish but also of many visitors to the city and of business men of San Diego and Coronado. At dif- ferent times Father Collins has been offered chances of promotion which he has always refused, desiring to remain in the city where he is now located. He finds that the climate agrees splendidly with him, that his work is progressing and that he has made many friends here. August 29, 1912, the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his entrance to the priesthood was appropriately celebrated by religious service and also by a banquet tendered him, on which occasion there were present about one hundred guests, served in the Hotel Del
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Coronado. Father Collins is a man of scholarly attainment, whose liberal col- lege training has been supplemented by wide reading and study that has kept him abreast with the trend of the times in secular as well as religious affairs, en- abling him, therefore, to more capably guide his parishioners when his advice is sought.
WILLIAM J. KIRKWOOD.
Upon the list of city officials in San Diego appears the name of William J. Kirkwood, who serves as building inspector. His record both as a business man and a public official is commendable and he enjoys in a large measure the con- fidence, good-will and friendship of all with whom he has been brought in contact. Mr. Kirkwood was born in Canada, October 27, 1852, a son of Robert and Catherine Kirkwood and the eldest in a family of twelve children. He re- ceived his education in the public schools of his native country and later came to California. He resided in Greenwood for a number of years and there began his official career, serving for five years as a member of the council. On June 2, 1909, he assumed the office of building inspector of San Diego and has done most able and practical work since that time. The results which he has attained speak for themselves. When he assumed control of the department the value of the building done in the city in one year was two million, six hundred and thirty-two thousand dollars. In 1912, the total was ten million, one thousand, four hundred and fifteen dollars. Mr. Kirkwood's duties and responsibilities have increased in proportion, for he is conscientious in the performance of his work and as systematic and detailed in his inspection of buildings today as he was three years ago when the total volume of construction work was much less.
In 1888 Mr. Kirkwood married Miss Catherine Chiarles, of Pennsylvania. He is always active in promoting the welfare of the city in which he resides and belongs fraternally to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Malta. He is one of the best known and highly respected citizens of San Diego and no criticism has ever been directed against his official service. His course has been characterized by the strictest fidelity to principle, and property owners of San Diego, recognizing his justice and his sincerity of purpose, are unanimous in their opinion of his ability and fitness for the office.
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B. V. FRANKLIN, M. D.
Dr. B. V. Franklin, who in 1901 entered upon the practice of medicine in San Diego, was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1875. He was thirteen years of age when in 1888 he came to California with his father, Alfred C. Franklin, who settled on a ranch near San Diego. There he engaged in orange growing and thus upon one of the citrous ranches which have made southern California famous, B. V. Franklin spent his youth. Believing that he preferred a profes- sional rather than a commercial career he took up the study of medicine in the
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University of Southern California and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1901. He also attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at San Francisco and throughout his professional career has continuously broadened his knowledge and perfected his efficiency by broad reading, study and research. He located for practice in San Diego in 1901 and throughout the following years has continued his office here, being accorded a large practice. He is quick to take up any improved scientific methods, yet does not really discard the old and time-tried methods of practice, the worth of which has long been proven. He is now assistant surgeon at the Marine Hospital of San Diego and is visiting physician to the St. Joseph's Hospital.
In 1897 Dr. Franklin was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Remondino, and they have a wide and favorable acquaintance in San Diego, the hospitality of many of the best homes being freely accorded them. Dr. Franklin has member- ship with the Elks but he never allows outside interests to interfere with the faithful performance of his professional duties. In manner he is cordial and genial and his native optimism as well as his scientific skill are factors in his success as a physician.
WALTER L. FRAZER.
Walter L. Frazer is president of the National Sign & Advertising Company of San Diego and by virtue of this position and of the ability which commanded it, one of the important men in business circles of the city. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, October 5, 1867, and is a son of Dewitt C. and Susan (Bush) Frazer, of that city. Until he was fourteen years of age he attended the public schools and afterward learned photography and worked at this occupation for five years in his native city. At the end of that time he came west to California and engaged in the same business in San Diego, after which he traveled over the state, selling territorial patent rights for twelve years. When he abandoned this ' line of occupation he returned to San Diego. In 1907 he incorporated the National Sign & Advertising Company and was elected its president. The company does more outdoor advertising than is done by any similar concern in southern Cali- fornia and much of the rapid growth of its business is due to the shrewd and forceful ability and the executive power of Mr. Frazer. The plant consists of commercial shops at Nos. 1227 and 1229 E street, an outdoor bulletin works at Third and G streets and a sign painting machine shop at Fourth and E streets. Every department is systematically conducted along progressive business lines, the services of expert advertising men are employed and everything is done in accordance with the highest and most practical standards of efficiency.
In Los Angeles, California, on the 6th of April, 1912, Mr. Frazer married Miss Maude E. Nurnberg and both are well known in social circles of San Diego. The business conducted by the National Sign & Advertising Company is steadily increasing in volume and has become one of the most important factors in the general activity of San Diego. Necessarily the man who is the directing head of this great enterprise must be a business man of the modern type, shrewd,
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keen and aggressive, a specialist in his line, but also an intelligent student of the general conditions which affect business growth. All of these qualifications for success Mr. Frazer possesses and they have brought him a degree of prosperity which places him among the leading men of San Diego.
JAMES GILLMORE.
James Gillmore, for more than a quarter of a century connected with real- estate interests of San Diego, in which connection the public acknowledges his labors as a factor in general growth and improvement, although he modestly takes little credit to himself for his efforts in that connection, was born in San Antonio, Texas. His parents, Jesse and Mary P. Gillmore, removed from the Lone Star state to Baltimore during the infancy of their son who acquired his early education in the public schools of that city, there remaining until thirteen years of age. He afterward went to Idaho Springs, Colorado, where he completed his education, remaining there for four years. His next location was Albu- querque, New Mexico, where he continued for three years, and then came to San Diego with his parents in 1885-at that time a young man of twenty-three years. He immediately turned his attention to the real-estate business and in the intervening period covering twenty-seven years has done much to promote the development of the city. He has made a specialty of handling business prop- erty and in promoting and executing realty transfers has displayed keen judg- ment, marked enterprise and business acumen of the highest order.
In 1800 occurred the marriage of Mr. Gillmore and Miss Alice Bennett. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is connected with The Cuyamaca Club. His contemporaries and associates are unanimous in the opinion that there is no man in San Diego who has superior knowledge of real-estate values for his long connection with the business, his study of the real-estate market and his appreciation for the trend of growth has enabled him to conduct deals which figure up in the millions, bringing him a goodly percentage while promoting the interests of both seller and purchaser.
GEORGE H. FROST.
George H. Frost, secretary and treasurer of the Pacific Building Company. was born in Bellevue, Iowa, July 14, 1877, a son of G. W. and Angie Frost. When he was still a child his parents moved to Emporia, Kansas, and there Mr. Frost attended the public schools, leaving the high school at the age of sixteen. He supplemented this by a two years' course in Emporia College and then moved to San Diego with his mother. Being desirous of pursuing his education further, he immediately went to the northern part of the state and enrolled in Leland Stanford University, which institution he attended for two years. At the end of that time he went to Charlevoix county, Michigan, and there secured employment with the East Jordan Lumber Company. He started in a minor
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capacity but his unusual business ability earned him rapid advancement. Through successive stages of progress he worked his way upward, learning the business in all its details and resigning in 1907 as general superintendent. In that year he returned to San Diego and became one of the organizers of the Pacific Building Company with Mr. Cotton, who is president of the concern. This enterprise is one of the important business houses in the city and one of the dominating forces in commercial activity, consequently the men who direct its policies and control its trade relations are representative of the best business qualities and are classed with the real promoters and builders of the municipality. Mr. Frost is therefore by virtue of his office and his conspicuous ability in con- nection with its affairs one of the most progressive and influential business men in San Diego and an active force in development and growth.
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