USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego county, California; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 43
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GUSTAVE ADOLPH ELIASON.
During the years of an active and honorable business career, and in every relation of his life, Gustave Adolph Eliason commanded the respect and enjoyed the confidence and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. His life measured up to the full standard of honorable manhood in all things and his death was the occasion of deep sorrow and regret, when, on August 8, 1907, he passed away. He was then only forty years of age, his birth having occurred August 24, 1867. He was a son of Eli Eliason and was one of a family of five children, namely: Gustave Adolph, of this review; and Carrie, Edward, Theo- dore and Anna, all of whom reside in Norway.
Mr. Eliason's active career began at the early age of sixteen, when he shipped before the mast, and he followed the sea until 1890. In that year he went to Mexico and from there came to California. He settled in the San Marcos val- ley and bought land which he developed and improved until his death. He gained a gratifying measure of prosperity and became well known as a promi- nent and successful rancher. His widow survives him and makes her home
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upon this property which is a beautiful place located a mile and a quarter south- west of the city of San Marcos.
On October 3, 1891, Mr. Eliason married Miss Anna Hanson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Andrew and Carrie Hanson. Mrs. Eliason came to America with her parents when she was twenty-two years of age, locating in Mexico, where her marriage occurred. The mother passed away in 1898 but the father is still surviving. In their family were seven children: Hans, a ranchman in the San Marcos valley; Andrew, who is engaged in farming near Buena; Anna, now Mrs. Eliason; Eric, a resident of San Marcos; Martha, whose home is in Los Angeles; John, who is engaged in farming near San Marcos; and Gustave, a resident of Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Eliason became the parents of seven children: Edward, whose education was acquired in the San Marcos public schools and who is now operating the home place, raising principally hay and grain; Mabel E., whose home is in Vesta, California, the wife of John J. Itzaina; Rose, a resident of Escondido and the wife of Roy H. Simmons; and Esther, Annie, Lillian and Elmer, all of whom are attend- ing school.
Mr. Eliason was a devout adherent of the Lutheran church, and his politi- cal allegiance was given to the democratic party. He died August 8, 1907, and passed from this life honored and respected by all who knew him, for his busi- ness methods had come to be regarded as a synonym for integrity and he dealt honestly and honorably with all men.
FRANK G. THOMPSON.
Frank G. Thompson, the owner of a well managed undertaking business in Escondido and extensively interested in many important enterprises of the city, was born in Minnesota, July 8, 1866. He is a son of Isaac H. and Hattie E. (Bray) Thompson, the former born in Maine and the latter in Vermont. In 1850 the father of our subject came around Cape Horn to California and remained in this state for twelve years. Having acquired a comfortable fortune, he married and went to Minnesota, where he engaged in the milling business, to which he later added general merchandising. He died in November, 1906, having survived his wife since July, 1899. Two children were born to their union, of whom Frank G. Thompson is the younger. The other child is a daugh- ter, Minnie, who is the wife of William Theophilus, judge of the superior court in Davenport, Iowa.
Frank G. Thompson was reared at home and received a public-school educa- tion. At the age of nineteen he began his active life, going to Dakota, where he remained for a short time. When he left Dakota he came to Fresno, Cali- fornia, and worked as a day laborer in the vineyards and orchards of that sec- tion of the state, rising finally through successive stages of progress to the posi- tion of manager and general superintendent of a large ranch. He held that position for six years and then came to Escondido, settling here in December, 1898. For nine years he was active in the livery business and during the same period purchased from J. H. Sampson the undertaking establishment with which
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he is now identified. In 1907 he sold his stable in order to devote more of his time to the other branch of his work. He owns his building and has also other valuable property in the city, including the building occupied by the tele- phone company, a large warehouse, two modern residences, besides the home in which he lives, and valuable property in Santa Ana.
Mr. Thompson married Miss Louise Hambrecht, a native of Minnesota and one of a family of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are well known in social circles of Escondido and have made their home a charming meeting place for their many friends. Fraternally Mr. Thompson belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He gives his allegiance to the republican party but, while loyal and public-spirited, never seeks public office, preferring to let the work he has done along lines of progress, advancement and development stand as a test of the quality of his citizenship.
WILLIAM CHAPMAN WALSH.
Upon the roll of San Diego county's honored dead appears the name of William Chapman Walsh, who at the time of his demise was one of the prom- inent ranchers and large land-owners of San Diego county. In every relation of his life he commanded the respect, confidence and friendship of all with whom he came in contact and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Mr. Walsh was born in Ireland in 1833 and was brought to America by his parents when he was only three years of age. He is one of a family of four children : James, who was a soldier in the Federal army and who was killed in the Civil war; Elizabeth, the wife of Captain George Deller, an officer on a Mississippi river steamboat; Louis, deceased; and William Chapman, of this rėview.
When he was still a boy William C. Walsh learned the shoemaker's trade in New York city and for a long period followed this occupation in St. Louis, Missouri. Later he returned to New York and worked in the employ of his uncle, who was a prominent shoe manufacturer. After one year, however, he went west and settled in a small mining town in Missouri, off the line of the railroad, and there he remained until 1861, when he offered his services to the Federal government in defense of the Union. He moved his family to a place of safety but in his absence the rebels looted his shop and took everything of value in his store. He served as sergeant in the provisional army for four years and was at the end of that time honorably discharged. After the war he bought a farm in the northwestern part of Missouri and lived upon it until he came to California in 1885. After his arrival in this state he and his son walked over the whole southern part, looking for a suitable place to settle and finally purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in San Diego county, three miles from Escondido. The country was at that time sparsely settled and Mr. Walsh had very few neighbors. He built a home and planted the land in fruit trees brought from Missouri. Gradually he became thoroughly familiar with the best methods of carrying on his work and as the years passed he pros- pered materially. He became especially interested in horticulture and devoted
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a great deal of his time to it, becoming known as a "Wizard" by reason of the remarkable results which he accomplished. He remained upon his ranch and gave practically his entire time to its further development and improvement until his death, which occurred April 6, 1906, and which was deeply mourned and regretted by his wide circle of friends.
In July, 1858, Mr. Walsh married in Brooklyn, New York, Miss Maria L. Upson, a native of New York city and a daughter of Silas and Rachel (Hughes) Upson, the former of New England stock and the latter a descendant of a Holland family. Mrs. Walsh is one of twelve children, only two of whom are still living : Truman, of Brooklyn, New York, who has reached the advanced age of eighty-one; and Maria L., the widow of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh became the parents of ten children, of whom eight survive. William H. resides at home with his mother and is engaged in mining. He is married and has two children, George and Julia. Edward is engaged in the operation of the home ranch. Cyrus Arthur is a well known farmer residing near Jackson- ville, Oregon. Ida married M. Jones, of Escondido, by whom she has a son, Charles. Mary Agnes married William I. Smith, of Tiburon, California. Charles, who resides in San Francisco, is married and has one child, William Joseph. Josephine is the wife of Peter Wilson, of Warren, Missouri, and they have six children. Fannie, who completes the family, is the wife of Robert H. Gay, who is prominent in business circles of San Francisco.
Mr. Walsh was ever loyal in his support of the republican party and served as justice of the peace for many years. Public office, however, had no attraction for him and he refused the nomination to the state legislature while a resident of Missouri. He was public-spirited and loyal in matters of citizenship, becoming deeply interested in those measures and projects which had for their object the upbuilding and development of San Diego county. The more private aspects of his life were particularly attractive. He was liberal, tolerant, a wide and thoughtful reader and a gifted conversationalist, with his natural talents broad- ened by travel and intercourse with many kinds and conditions of men. He made a special study of the Bible and was considered an authority on Biblical history and interpretation. Those who knew him socially found him a genial and kindly gentleman, ready at all times to aid those in need. His widow, who now owns the ranch near Escondido, is a lady whose many excellent traits of heart and mind have won her the affection and esteem of all with whom she comes in contact.
JOHN V. MOORE.
John V. Moore, engaged in architectural designing, with offices in the Tim- ken building, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, a son of Kelly P. and Mattie E. Moore. His early education was acquired in the public schools and later he completed a literary and business course.
For two years he was in the employ of the government, being in the mail service and gave up this position in order that he might take up the study of
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architecture in the state of Texas and through the south, giving close attention to the Spanish-Colonial, and Georgian styles prevalent.
He then returned to his home state where he continued the study and pursuit of his work, being associated with some of the leading architects.
Like many others he believed in the exceptional opportunities afforded in southern California by reason of its rapid and substantial growth and accord- ingly came to San Diego, where he has since remained, covering a period of two years. Since reaching here he has become an enthusiastic supporter of the city, with firm faith in its future, and has induced his parents to remove to San Diego because of the exceptionally fine climatic conditions here.
At the present time Mr. Moore is giving his time principally to designing and has made for himself a creditable place in the business circles of the city.
JOHN N. TURRENTINE.
On September 30, 1887, the old Concord stage drove into Escondido and among the passengers who alighted from it was John N. Turrentine, a former Methodist minister, a successful and enterprising business man and at all times an honorable, upright and courteous gentleman. He found there only a frontier town with a few buildings and primitive in spirit, but he at once identified him- self with its development, directing his energies along lines of advancement in business, in morals, in education and in politics and becoming eventually a power and a vital force in the city's upbuilding. For more than twenty-five years he worked loyally and faithfully, winning for himself success and prominence and for the city increased prestige along many lines, finally retiring in order to spend the latter part of his life in ease and comfort. Mr. Turrentine was born in Ten- nessee on the 2d of November, 1845, and is a descendant of one of the oldest American families. His ancestors were in the eastern states before the Revolu- tion and in that conflict they fought loyally in the American cause. The mater- nal great-grandfather, John Harris, was the founder of the city of Harrisburg, now the capital of Pennsylvania. His son, Captain James Harris, was an officer in the War of 1812. On the paternal side also Mr. Turrentine comes of a family of soldiers, his grandfather, Major Samuel Turrentine, having served in the American army during the Revolution and thirty-five years afterward, in the War of 1812. About this time he removed to Tennessee and there remained until his death, some time later. Members of the Harris and Turrentine fam- ilies were loyal supporters of the whig party during its existence and in both fidelity to the stars and stripes is an honored tradition. Among the children of Major Samuel Turrentine was the Rev. Wilson Turrentine, the father of the subject of this review. He was born in North Carolina, removing to Tennes- see when he was eight years of age, and there married Miss Elvira Harris and resided in that state until his death, which occurred on the 17th of December, 1890, when he was ninety-four years of age. His wife passed away at the age of seventy-six. She came of a long-lived family, her father having passed away when he was within four years of completing a full century. He also was a
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captain in the War of 1812 and afterward built the first brick house in Shelby- ville, Tennessee, where he moved after the war.
John N. Turrentine of this review acquired his education in a private school in his native state and from an early age evidenced a marked love of learning. As a consequence he was given the advantage of a course in Lookout College and in this way his fine mind was excellently trained for his work in the Metho- dist ministry, which he entered upon his graduation. He was for some time at- tached to the Tennessee Conference, in which he labored for many years. He came to California in the year 1885 and settled first in Tulare county, where in the fall of 1886 he was chosen pastor of the Visalia Methodist Episcopal church. After two years' able work he removed to Escondido and during the following year officiated as pastor of the church of that denomination in this city, to which he yet remains a generous contributor. He came to Escondido in 1887, among the early settlers, and has directed his activities since that time to projects which have directly benefited material, moral, intellectual and political advancement. When the Mutual Water Company was organized Mr. Turrentine took a leading part in the work and is still a large stockholder in this and in various other important enterprises in Escondido. In order to facilitate his work and give it a wider force he bought the Times-Advocate, a weekly newspaper, and was the editor and proprietor of this publication until August 1, 1912, when he retired. He is a man of great executive power and, moreover, possesses that indispensable quality of a successful business man, controlled imagination. This has enabled him to conceive and carry forward useful projects and to make his work widely beneficial. A man of large talents, exceptional attainments and attractive personality, he has labored well during his active years and has made his name honored and respected wherever it is known.
On January 2, 1873, Mr. Turrentine was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Robinson, a daughter of Captain W. T. Robinson, of Tennessee. Mrs. Tur- rentine is a descendant of a family which sent soldiers to the War of 1812 and to the Civil war, her father and three of his brothers having fought in the Fed- eral army during the latter conflict. Captain Robinson raised a company of volunteers which he led on the battlefield and the qualities which made him successful in war gained him prominence also in times of peace. As a mem- ber of the Tennessee house of representatives and the state senate he proved himself an honorable, worthy and upright official and as judge of De Kalb county showed his wide learning and his impartial judgment, becoming one of the most prominent and capable men in his part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Turrentine have become the parents of four children : Edgar E., the eldest, owns a beautiful home in Escondido and is the cashier of the Escondido Savings Bank. He is married and has two children, Edgar E., Jr., and Wilfred Thomas. Howard B. is connected with the Escondido Lumber, Hay & Grain Company. Lucy H. is connected with the Times-Advocate Publishing Company and has been her father's main help in his newspaper work and in all of his business dealings. Lawrence Neil, who completes the family, is a student in the law department of the University of Southern California, at Los Angeles.
Since casting his first vote for General Grant Mr. Turrentine has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and has been eminently progressive and public spirited in all matters of citizenship, never seeking to avoid its obligations.
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The record of his official career is a noteworthy one. For a number of years he served as city recorder and was for three terms city clerk. He was presi- dent of the school board for a number of years, and in this capacity took an important part in bringing the schools of the city to their present high state of efficiency. He helped to organize the Escondido high school and is still inter- ested in all matters which pertain to further and more general educational expan- sion. He was justice of the peace of his district for one term and under Presi- dent McKinley's administration was appointed postmaster of Escondido. He was reappointed by President Mckinley and again by Roosevelt and refused the fourth appointment, although he served a part of the time until his successor was selected, evidencing in the discharge of his official duties high conscientious- ness, integrity and public spirit. Mr. Turrentine is also well known in fraternal circles and has gained a position of distinction in many leading organizations. While a resident of Tennessee he became a member at Shelbyville of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows in Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 11, in 1866, and his interest in that body has continued unabated since that time. In addition he is prominent in the Masonic order, holding membership in Consuelo Lodge, No. 325, F. & A. M., of which he has acted as secretary since its organization with the exception of the terms he held the offices of master and senior warden. He now has practically retired from active life and resides in Escondido, where he owns considerable business and residence property which has been acquired in the course of his long connection with the business affairs of the city. The retirement which he enjoys is well earned, for it rewards a life of useful, well directed and honorable labor.
CHARLES F. FRANCISCO.
In the death of Charles F. Francisco, on January 12, 1913, San Diego lost another pioneer who was identified with the interests of the place for more than forty-three years. He was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, Sep- tember 2, 1844, and was reared upon a farm. He came to California in 1869 as a passenger on one of the first trains that ran across the country over the Union Pacific Railroad. From San Francisco he made his way southward to San Diego on the old side-wheel steamer Oriflamme, which was the first steamer to dock at the new wharf in this city, the town celebrating the occasion by having a band at the wharf to meet the passengers.
Two years after A. E. Horton purchased the land on which the city now stands, Mr. Francisco arrived here, and at once entered into the spirit and activities of the time. He took up one hundred and sixty acres of land at Monument City, but subsequently traded that property for San Diego real estate, becoming owner of the lot on First street on which now stands the new city market.
At different times he was closely asociated with commercial interests and with horticultural affairs. In 1870 he served as assistant postmaster, and later becanie connected with the business circles of the city, as book-keeper for the
CHARLES F. FRANCISCO
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firm of Steiner & Klauber. He was afterward employed for five years as salesman in the general store of G. W. B. McDonald, at Sixth and K streets. He also acted at different times as salesman for the firms of Gordon & Hazard and the Hamilton Grocery Company. In the early 'Sos he started an orange grove in the Chollas valley, which he afterward traded for a third interest in the firm of Gordon & Hazard, and entered into partnership with Jacob Gruendike who was afterward president of the First National Bank, and Mr. Silliman, under the firm name of Francisco, Silliman & Company, and sub- sequently for some years Mr. Francisco conducted a store under his own name, until he admitted Mr. Weatherbee to a partnership, which was later purchased by W. F. McKee and the firm name became known as Francisco & McKee. Mr. Francisco afterward bought out his partner's interest and finally sold his store to Bouregard & Nealy.
In 1887 he entered the real-estate business and the same year erected the house on Evans street, which his family still occupy. He was familiar with values in San Diego and has been the owner of much high-priced property, some of which became in later years immensely valuable, among which being the lot at Fifth and C, where the old Marston store now stands, his home being there for four years. He also at one time owned the lot at Sixth and D streets now occupied by the Holzwasser store.
In 1891 Mr. Francisco moved with his family to Lakeside, and for nearly seven years engaged in farming and fruit culture on one hundred and fifty acres of land, his home being known as "Rock Terrace." After his return to San Diego he traded the lemon grove for the grocery store, known as the Central Grocery, on Fifth street, between G and F, and conducted this business for four years, after which he sold out and again engaged in the real-estate business, being associated at different times with the late Mr. Somers of El Cajon, and later with O. Henry Savage, until 1911 failing health compelled him to retire from active business.
In 1872 Mr. Francisco was united in marriage to Miss Mary Evelyn Har- vey, a native of Wisconsin and niece of Louis P. Harvey, the war governor of Wisconsin, who was her father's only brother, and unto them were born ten children. He is survived by his wife and the following children: Louis and Harvey Francisco, of San Diego; Mrs. J. A. McCaddon, of San Diego, and Mrs. L. M. Symmes, of Imperial, twins; Mrs. Louis Rustamier, of El Paso, Texas; and Mrs. Lincoln Moore, of Nestor.
Mr. Francisco was during the most of his life a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also a member of the order of the Knights of Pythias up to the time of his death. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He served as alderman for one or more terms and was also at one time one of the trustees of the public library.
He was a nephew of the late A. E. Horton and brother of Horton Francisco, a prosperous business man of Mason City, Iowa. He is survived by six brothers and one sister, all living in the eastern states. His family are long lived on both sides. His great-great-grandfather on his father's side, living to be one hundred and thirty-four years old, being the oldest man in the United States at the time, and having lived in three centuries. Mr. Francisco's mother died in May, 1911 and lacked three months of being one hundred years old. Vol. II-22
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Mr. Francisco always took a deep interest in the growth and welfare of San Diego, and his activities have always been of a character, that have con- tributed to public progress. His life was indeed a busy, active and useful one. In business he made many friends, and no one was better known through- out San Diego county, and among the Spanish residents, whose custom-being familiar with the language-he commanded.
Mr. Francisco was a kind husband and father, to whom home was the dearest spot on earth. He was a true friend, one whose integrity and honesty were unquestioned, commanding and enjoying the respect and esteem of those with whom he associated. In literary taste he was superior, and being of a lofty and spiritual nature, he could recite long extracts from his favorite . writers. Next to the Holy Bible, Festus and Phaedo, or The Immortality of the Soul, were his latest choice.
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