USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego county, California; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 25
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places in the south. He did not believe in the dissolution of the Union and there- fore determined to remove to California when he saw the storm clouds of war gathering. In April, 1860, therefore, he left Arkansas with his family and with ox team and cattle traveled across the plains and over the mountains until he arrived in California in the month of October. Many difficulties and hardships were experienced while en route and the family had one encounter with the Indians on the site of the present city of Pueblo, Colorado. When in the Chero- kee nation they were joined by a band of Pikes Peak miners, thirty in number. They traveled for six weeks, covering a distance of five hundred miles along the bank of the Arkansas river, and saw buffalo every day on the trip. They were quite fortunate in never losing an ox or cow during the entire journey across the plains and had perhaps fewer obstacles to contend with than many of the western emigrants. They took the Carson valley road, crossing the Sierra Nevadas, made their way through the forests of gigantic redwood trees and at length arrived at Angels camp. Settlement was made near Lodi, in San Joaquin county, where the father purchased a tract of land and began farming.
Francis M. Green attained the age of sixteen years about the time the family came to California. He, too, engaged in farming, cultivating a tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres in company with his brother. They were thus engaged during the early period of their residence on the Pacific coast but later turned their attention to merchandising, which they carried on under the firm name of Green Brothers. During the period of the Civil war Francis M. Green became a member of the Mokelumne Light Dragoons, with which he served in 1862, 1863 and 1864. He was also at different times called to public office by his fellow townsmen who recognized his worth and ability and his devotion to the general welfare. He acted as school trustee of Lodi for six years and was clerk of the board when the new high school was built. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and as its representative he was one of the state convention when the state constitution was adopted.
In 1887 Mr. Green removed to San Diego and in company with his brother F. M. D. Green engaged in the real-estate business. After the death of his brother he continued alone, conducting his interests under the firm style of F. M. Green & Company. He buys and sells both city and ranch property and is now interested in the Crystal Springs tract, the City Heights tract and the Sher- man Heights tract.
Mr. Green owns a fine home on Sherman Hill. He was married in 1876, in Chico, California, to Miss Jennie Hanson, of that place, who died in 1910. Their children are five in number: Frank M., who is with the Spreckels Companies; Fred E., a clerk in the postoffice of San Diego; Archibald H., of the Central National Bank of Battle Creek, Michigan; Hazel, a graduate of the State Nor- mal School of San Diego and now principal of the City Heights school; and Ruth, at home.
Mr. Green holds membership with the Masons, having joined the order in Sutter county, California, in 1869. He selected the site for the new Methodist church of San Diego and at all times has been actively and helpfully interested in the growth and development of the city along various lines which have con- tributed to its permanent improvement and progress. His business career, too,
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has been characterized by steady advancement, for he has given close attention to his interests, has anticipated the rise and fall in property values and with keen insight and sound judgment has directed his operations so that a substan- tial measure of success has rewarded his labors.
WARNER M. BATEMAN.
Warner M. Bateman, the agent at San Diego for the Studebaker automobile, in which business he has engaged since 1908, developing a large trade for the house in the intervening period of about five years, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 5, 1885. While spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, W. M. and Ella L. Bateman, he attended the public and high schools of his native city, mastering the branches of learning taught in consecutive grades until gradu- ated from the high school when seventeen years of age. He next attended Cornell University for three years, at the end of which time he entered actively upon business life by engaging with the Scripp's Newspaper System. He was employed in various cities in various capacities, his last position in that connection being as business manager of the Pueblo Sun at Pueblo, Colorado, with which he remained until October, 1908. At that date he came to San Diego and accepted the agency for the Studebaker automobile, of South Bend, Indiana, in which business he still engages with excellent success. The popularity of this car is constantly increasing as a high type of excellence is developed in workmanship, style and finish, and Mr. Bateman annually disposes of a large number of these motors.
On the 6th of November, 1906, in New York city, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Bateman and Miss Mabel L. Rueff. They have a pleasant residence in San Diego and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city is freely accorded them. Mr. Bateman is independent in politics, not caring to ally him- self with either of the old parties, yet he is not neglectful of the duties of citizen- ship. He is a wide-awake and progressive young business man who has already made for himself a creditable place in business circles and is steadily advancing.
J. F. ESCHER, M. D.
Dr. J. F. Escher, capable and prominent in the practice of medicine, is one of the oldest physicians of San Diego and one who in every respect meets the exacting requirements made upon the physician. If a lawyer is brusque and crabbed, we imagine it is because of strenuous professional demands; if a min- ister is reserved and lacking in friendliness, we think it is because he is absorbed in the contemplation of things beyond our ken; but we demand that the physi- cian be at all times genial, cordial and sympathetic and that he possess as well a comprehensive knowledge of the scientific acquirements that underlie the suc- cessful ministration of remedial agencies. Dr. Escher meets these requirements
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in large measure and is thus one of the more successful physicians of his part of the state.
A native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he was born on the 28th of October, 1843, a son of John H. and Barbara C. Escher. After completing a high-school course he entered the Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, for classical and professional training and completed his medical education in the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville. He then located for practice at Lowden, Iowa, where he remained from 1877 until 1885. In the latter part of that year he arrived in San Diego, which at that time contained a population of only twenty- five hundred. He purchased a tract of land one hundred feet square at a nominal sum, and such was the growth and development of the city, with the consequent rise in realty values, that after twenty-five months he was offered thirty-eight thousand dollars for the property and would have sold it had it not been for the advice of his wife, who wisely counseled that he hold it for a further advance. Throughout the period of his residence here he has engaged actively in the practice of medicine and is now one of the oldest physicians in years of pro- fessional connection with the city. He has a large practice among the best peo- ple and he ever keeps in touch with the advanced work that is being done by members of the medical fraternity as investigation and research are bringing to light nature's hidden truths.
In November, 1879, Dr. Escher was united in marriage to Miss Anna J. Wiley, who died several years ago, leaving four children: Bessie E. Jennings, who is a widow living with her father; Wiley E., who is attending the University of Washington, pursuing a course in forestry ; Ernest, who is with the Pacific Telegraph & Telephone Company at San Francisco, and Fred.
Dr. Escher is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has held some local offices, serving as a member of the city council and also as a member of the board of health both in California and in Iowa. He is interested in all that pertains to his profession and although years have passed since he left college, he has remained continu- ously a student of the principles and practices of medicine. He holds to the highest professional standards and enjoys in unusual degree the regard of brother physicians.
R. G. HULBERT, M. D.
The medical profession, distancing all others in importance, in relation to the human race, is preeminently a field in which the most severe demands are made upon its followers and which furnishes tests for ability and character that are not so plainly evident and of no such far-reaching consequence in any other line of endeavor. A thorough education, careful medical training and study and native talent are always the foundation upon which a successful medical career is built. Watchful alertness in diagnosis and in ascertaining symptoms, quick action in reaching a decision, a cool head and steady hand, are essential qualifications, but they do not suffice to make the physician truly helpful, for above all he must have that sympathetic kindness of heart, that true spirit of love for his brothers in
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distress which gains him the confidence, even attachment, of his patients, for it is this confidence which gives the patient hope and largely upon the patient's hopeful mental attitude toward his condition, depends his recovery. Such a man who labors for the prevention of illness, who banishes the death and disease-dealing enemies of mankind, where they have taken root, and who not only cures with knife and medicine but largely through a full and kindly understanding of human nature, instilling that confidence which wins half the battle, is Dr. R. G. Hul- bert, who for twenty-five years has, with ever-increasing success, practiced his profession in San Diego. Adding honor to his name, he has attained solid pros- perity for himself, but more important than that, he has brought relief, health, happiness to hundreds and given them back to their life work, and he has thus gained a reputation among the public, and in the ranks of his own fellows, second to none.
Dr. R. G. Hulbert was born in the little city of Milan, Missouri, August 29, 185I, a son of William and Nancy Hulbert. He was reared at home and re- ceived his early education in the schools of his native town, being guided by father and mother in his lessons. His first step toward higher learning was made when he entered the University of Missouri, whence he proceeded to the State Normal School of Kirksville, that state, which he attended for some time. Later he became a student in Grinnell College, of Grinnell, Iowa, and after his graduation therefrom he went to Keokuk, Iowa, a natural inclination towards the medical profession leading him to matriculate in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in that city, from which he was graduated in 1880 with the M. D. degree. Looking for an attractive location he decided upon western Iowa and there he established himself in practice and followed his profession for twelve years, gaining a reputation for careful and thorough work in his profession and gradually building up a remunerative patronage. The golden west, however, seemed to hold out a larger field for his endeavors and its attractions decided him to come about 1887 to San Diego, where, by his unusual attainments, he has succeeded in building up a large and gratifying practice which not only extends to the city's limits but goes beyond its borders into the suburban towns and country. He has a thorough scientific knowledge which he maintains ever fresh by keeping in touch with all modern discoveries in the world of medical science, and by his kindly ways he has gained innumerable patients who thor- oughly believe in his skill and ability and implicitly entrust themselves to his care.
Moreover, the deep gratitude of a nation is due Dr. Hulbert for gallantly taking up arms in defense of the Union flag during the darkest hour in the his- tory of this country, when-a mere boy of thirteen-he willingly offered his life upon the altar of patriotism and enlisted on March 25, 1864, in Company C, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, assuming the burden which will always remain a debt of honor that his country can never fully discharge. The youngest of six brothers, all of whom were soldiers in the Union army, the five brothers having enlisted at the beginning of the war and serving the entire period, he and every one of them suffered severe wounds received during that sanguine conflict, but all are living today. His brothers, William S. and Henry, both underwent the hardships and privations entailed by eight months of imprisonment at Anderson- ville. Although only thirteen years old, Dr. Hulbert was a large boy for his age, well set up, being five feet five inches in height, sturdily built and weighing one Vol. II-13
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hundred and thirty pounds, the red blood of worthy ancestors flowing in his veins. He was accepted and in the first battle in which his command partici- pated, at Holly Springs, Mississippi, he was detailed by Colonel Brown to carry dispatches and after this encounter, was detailed by Brigade Commander General Hatch as dispatch bearer. At the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, the Doctor had a horse shot from under him during the performance of his duties, evidencing that thought of personal safety never even entered into his head. He was discharged at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, March 9, 1865. Proudly he carries scars from the conflict which forever settled the question of the unity of the nation and has made its greatness, being shot three times-once through the leg, receiving another wound across the breast and a severe one in the wrist, evidences of his prowess and bravery that stand as irrefutable evidence of a sincere patriot- ism. Never faltering in the performance of any duty, however arduous, how- ever hazardous, the valor of the boy, his zeal, his devotion, inspired and quickened the courage of the men who served with him.
Dr. Hulbert was married in Carthage, Illinois, to Miss Fannie Jackson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Jackson, and to them were born two daughters, namely: Florence M., who married John Leary, and they reside in Portland, Oregon; and Alice M., who married George W. Lynch, and resides in Los Angeles.
Although his extensive practice makes very heavy demands upon the time of Dr. Hulbert, he has found time to exercise his public spirit in other ways to the benefit of the community which he now calls his home. He has for two years served as a member of the city council of San Diego and has done during that time useful service in incorporating and promoting such measures as would result in the benefit of the city. Another position which he has held in the city government is that of police commissioner, in which capacity he has served for four years. In Masonic circles Dr. Hulbert has attained high rank, being a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He is professionally connected with the San Diego County Medical Society, the California State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, coming through these mediums in contact with eminent men in the profession and keeping himself posted upon new discoveries and methods that affect the science of medicine. In whatever connection his life may be considered-in a strictly professional phase, as faithful soldier, as public man or as exemplar of the great Masonic principles-Dr. Hulbert has done his work well in every one and all relations and his name is highly respected by people in all walks of life of this city.
JOHN HOWARD FERRY.
San Diego county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, men who, on the whole, have been capable and loyal in their devotion to the best interests of the district which they represented. John Howard Ferry is for the second term filling the position of county recorder, having entered upon the duties of the office in January, 1907. He had previously
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become well known in the conduct of a fire insurance and real-estate agency here and has ever enjoyed the respect and good-will of colleagues and contemporaries. His birth occurred in Utica, New York, April 20, 1856, his parents being William H. and Mary A. (Williams) Ferry. His father was a prominent business man of Chicago and the middle west, his activities and interests having direct and important bearing upon the financial history of that section of the country. He was the vice president and one of the directors of the Commercial National Bank, a director of the Elgin National Watch Company, managing director of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company and was appointed by Judge Blodgett receiver for two railroads, the Rockford & Rock Island and the West- ern Wisconsin Railroad, which later became the Milwaukee, St. Paul & Omaha Railroad.
After completing the work of the grades in the public schools of Chicago John H. Ferry attended the high school and subsequently entered the Lake Forest Academy. Early in his business career he entered into active connection with fire insurance brokerage and through much of his life has been engaged in that line of business although varied and important interests of a different char- acter have at times claimed his energies and attention. On leaving Lake Forest Academy he entered the fire insurance brokerage business in Chicago and during the period of his residence there succeeded in gaining a clientage greater than that of almost any of his contemporaries in that field, although he was but nine- teen years of age when he embarked in the business.
In 1883 Mr. Ferry went to Elkhart, Indiana, to become manager of the Elk- hart Paper Mills. He was married in that year and while residing in Elkhart his two eldest sons were born, one in 1884 and the other in 1886. The latter year Mr. Ferry came to California, where he turned his attention to the whole- sale commission business as a member of the firm of Winchester & Ferry. They were the heaviest dealers in grain and honey in San Diego county and so con- tinued until 1890, when Mr. Winchester's health failed and the firm was dis- solved. Mr. Ferry afterward became a partner of Fred M. Hamilton in the hardware business, with which he was connected from 1890 until 1892. He then sold his interest in the business and purchased the fire insurance agency of G. B. Grow & Company, which was at that time the largest agency in southern Cali- fornia in the number of companies represented and in combined assets. In that field he operated until 1897, when he sold out and went to Ramona in order to personally conduct his four hundred acre ranch in the Santa Maria valley. In 1900 he exchanged that property for a splendidly equipped modern apartment building in Englewood, Chicago, which he sold in 1903. The same year he pur- chased the Ferry ranch in El Cajon.
Mr. Ferry was called from private life to public office in his election to the position of county recorder in the fall of 1906. He entered upon his duties in the following January to serve for a four years' term and in January, 1911, his second term began to continue through December, 1914, his reelection coming to him as evidence of the indorsement on the part of the public of his first term's service.
On the 17th of October, 1883, in Lyons, Iowa, Mr. Ferry was married to Miss Clara Whiting Smith, a daughter of S. I. Smith, and their children are: William Howard, who married Agnes K. Wright; Douglass Hewitt, who mar-
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ried Eudora Bundy ; Mary Hayes; Clara Williams, and Mabel Farwell. Mr. Ferry belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 168, of San Diego, and Red Star Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. "Well descended and well bred," he ranks with the prominent and valued citizens of his adopted county. Imbued in youth with the spirit that made the growth of Chicago one of the centers of the world, he brought to his western home the same spirit of determination, energy and adapta- bility and is now active and prominent among those who are shaping the devel- opment and progress and molding the welfare of San Diego.
LITTLETON R. LANCASTER.
Littleton R. Lancaster, now conducting a real-estate and insurance business in San Diego as a member of the firm of Lancaster & Richardson, came to this city in 1898 and through a period of fourteen years up to January 1, 1913, con- tinued in that field of activity as a member of the firm of Gwyn & Lancaster. He was born in Clinton county, Missouri, October 30, 1844, of English and Welsh ancestry, his parents being Menford and Sarah A. (Roberts) Lancaster. At the usual age he entered the public schools which he attended until he reached the age of thirteen. He was about seventeen years of age when, in 1861, he offered his services to the government and entered the army as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Missouri Infantry. The regiment was captured at Lex- ington, Missouri, in September of the same year. Later the command was reorganized as the Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry, with which Mr. Lancaster served until December 31, 1863, when this regiment was consolidated with the Engineer Regiment of the West, Mr. Lancaster serving as a member of Company A and adjutant, First Missouri Engineers, until the close of the war in 1865. He afterward went to St. Joseph, Missouri, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1866.
Removing to Gallatin, Missouri, Mr. Lancaster there opened an office and followed his profession in partnership with Judge McFerran under the firm style of McFerran & Lancaster until 1868, in which year he returned to St. Joseph, Missouri, and was appointed clerk of the supreme court. He filled that position until 1876, when he resigned and began practicing law in which he continued until 1894. In that year he arrived in California, settling at Encinitas, where he engaged in fruit growing until 1898. He then disposed of his property there and removed to San Diego where he entered a real-estate and insurance office in partnership with H. G. Gwyn under the firm style of Gwyn & Lancaster. The fact that they remained in business together for fourteen years is proof of their success and their harmonious relations. They negotiated many important realty transfers and wrote a large number of policies annually, so that both departments of their business returned them a substantial income. On January 1, 1913, Mr. Lancaster formed a copartnership with Mr. Tom E. Richardson, under the name of Lancaster & Richardson, Major Gwyn having retired from the business.
On the 5th of December, 1865, soon after his return from the war, Mr. Lan- caster was married in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Miss Catharine Stuppy, and they
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have become parents of four children: Paul M. Lancaster, of San Diego; Mrs. Helen Carney, of San Diego; and Blanche and Adelaide, both at home. Mr. Lancaster is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his polit- ical support is given to the republican party, but while well informed on the questions and issues of the day he does not seek office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs which are growing and which have gained him place among the representative residents of San Diego.
REAR ADMIRAL URIEL SEBREE, U. S. N.
Rear Admiral Uriel Sebree has since his retirement in February, 1910, made his home in Coronado, having erected a beautiful residence on Ocean boulevard. His life history, if written in detail, would present, indeed, a clear picture of the naval service and especially of operations in Pacific waters during the second half of the nineteenth and the opening decade of the twentieth century. He was born in Fayette, Missouri, February 20, 1848, a son of John P. and Louisa (Dailey) Sebree. At the usual age he entered the public schools of his native city and then, attracted to the naval service, became a student in the United States Naval Academy in 1863, pursuing the four years' course, and was gradu- ated in 1867. He left the academy as midshipman in June and served in divers duties and grades as naval officer in various parts of the world. In July, 1869, in connection with the service he came to California and in October of the same year went to Alaska. He was engaged on general survey work for canals on the Pacific coast in 1870 and went on the Arctic relief expedition on the Tigress in 1873 under Commander Greer. ` In 1884 he was on the Greeley relief expedi- tion under Commander Schley, this expedition rescuing the Arctic explorer and his party. He served on the United States Ship Baltimore under command of Captain Schley from 1889 until 1892 and he spent seven years on the Pacific as lighthouse inspector, having headquarters at Portland from 1885 until 1889, and at San Francisco from 1898 until 1901. He was also secretary of the lighthouse board. On the 9th of October, 1901, he was promoted to the rank of captain. He had commanded the gunboat Wheeling in the Behring sea in 1897 and 1898, was commander of the naval station in the Samoan islands in 1901-2, com- manded the battleship Wisconsin in 1903-4 and in November of the latter year was made secretary of the lighthouse board at Washington. In 1907 he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral and so served until he was retired in Feb- ruary, 1910. His record speaks for itself and needs little commentary. Effi- ciency and merit won him promotion through successive positions to the highest naval rank save that of commander-in-chief, and all of the experiences which come along the line of advancement from midshipman to rear admiral have been his. In the line of his duty his service has at times been most arduous but he takes no credit to himself for what he accomplished, maintaining the soldier's attitude that the duties and tasks imposed by his commander must be faithfully performed.
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