Los Angeles Times
February 14, 1882 pg O-3
A.O.U.W.
A Remarkable Record The First Death and that Accidental.
Yesterday was laid to rest the body of Mr. G. W. Swart, by the A. O. U. W.
order of this city, this being the first time that order has been called upon
to perform the last sad rites for any member of the lodges of this city. The
unfortunate man had resided here for a number of years until last summer, when
he went up to Cerro Gordo in the employ of Mr. N. Nadeau as teamster. He had
decided to leave Mr. Nadeau’s employ, and was on his way to this city
with a freighting outfit of two large wagons, and when in the vicinity of Elizabeth
Lake some disarrangement occurred to his wagons and while righting them he was
caught between them and badly crushed through the abdomen. A passing teamster
found him and took him to Newhall, placing him aboard the train for this city.
He arrived here Thursday and died on Saturday. He leaves his property, including
the $2,000 which the lodge gives his assignee to his daughter who is in San
Francisco. The assertion is ventured that there is not a lodge of A. O. U. W.
in existence that can show such a record as can Los Angeles Lodge No. 55. It
has been organized three years and five months and this is the first death occurring
among its members, and this is the result of an accident.
Los Angeles Times
February 14, 1882 - pg. 0-4
Died
(Notices of marriages, births and deaths are published gratuitously in the
Times, and friends will confer a favor by handing in or sending to this office
such notices.)
King – In this city, February 13 th, Marguerite, youngest child of
Mr. And Mrs. A. J. King. Friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral
from St. Athanasius’ Church to-day at 11 o’clock A. M.
Glade – In Los Angeles, Feb. 12, of dropsy, H. O. Glade of Chicago,
aged 54 years.
Swart – In this city, at the St. Charles Hotel, Feb. 12, 1882, aged
47 years, G. W. Swart, of injuries received by being crushed between two wagons
at Elizabeth Lake.
Los Angeles Times
April 7, 1882 - pg. 0-2
Another Sad Home
This community was much pained to learn that the wife of our worthy fellow-citizen,
Dr. L.W. French, was in a dying condition, and that was supplemented by a report
at 5 P. M., which proved to be too true, that she was dead. The intelligence
was startling, as few outside of the most intimate acquaintances of the family
had any information of her illness. She was in the prime of life, and was taken
from her interesting family of three children when they most need a mother’s
care. The warmest sympathy of the doctor’s many friends will be drawn
out to him for his great affliction.
Los Angeles Times
April 9, 1882 - pg. 0-2
Funeral
The funeral services for the late Mrs. Dr. French was held at the Methodist
Church at 1 P. M. yesterday. The attendance of friends was very large. The services
were conducted by Rev. Mr. Chase, assisted by Rev. Mr. Hough and Rev. Mr. Bovard.
Los Angeles Times
May 18, 1882 - pg. 0-3
Died
Milner - Los Angeles, Cal., May 17, 1882, Hans, infant son of John and Anna
Milner, aged 2 years, 2 months and 16 days.
Los Angeles Times
May 27, 1882 - pg. 0-3
Died
Gray – At Los Angeles, May 26, 1882, by his own hand, Thomas Gray,
aged 59 years. Funeral from the residence, corner of Flower and Seventh streets,
Sunday at 2 P. M.
"Los Angeles Daily Times" Chinese Section
April 5, 1882 - pg O3
A curious ceremony was performed about noon yesterday in connection with a
funeral in the Chinese portion of the cemetery on Fort Hill. Two roasted pigs,
lighted tapers and an atmosphere filled with incense were provided for the purpose
of giving the soul of the departed a good send off to the happy regions.
"Funeral" Mrs. French funeral report
Los Angeles Times
April 9, 1882 pg O-2
Funeral. The funeral services for the late Mrs. Dr. French was held
at the Methodist Church at 1 p.m. yesterday. The attendance of friends
was very large. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Chase, assisted
by Rev. Mr. Hough and Rev. Mr. Bovard.
"Died" John Woodworth
Los Angeles Times
September 30, 1882 pg O-4
WOODWORTH - In this city, September 29th, of heart disease, John Woodworth,
native of Vermont, father of the late Wallace Woodworth, aged 71 years.
Funeral will take place from his residence, Old Aliso street, to-day at 10 a.m.
"Died" Mrs. L. D. Gavitt
Los Angeles Times
November 3, 1882 pg O-4
GAVITT. At Los Angeles, November 1, 1882, Mrs. L. D. Gavitt
Los Angeles Times
Mar 18, 1883 - pg. 0-4
Death’s Doings
Lullio Mace, child of Mr. And Mrs. W. H. Mace, aged about four years, died
of whooping cough March 15 th. The funeral will take place this afternoon at
two o’clock from Brown’s undertaking parlors. The body will be interred
at the city cemetery.
Los Angeles Times
June 27, 1883 - pg. 0-4
Died
Trafford. At Los Angeles, June 26, 1883, John Trafford, aged about fifty
years. Funeral from his residence, on Morris vineyard tract, at 2 o’clock
this afternoon.
Los Angeles Times
July 4, 1883 pg. O-8
Funeral of the Late M. A. Cobler
The funeral of the late M. A. Cobler took place yesterday morning from the
Santa Ana train, on which the body arrived, under the auspices of the Masonic
fraternity of this city. Mr. Frank Cobler, a son of deceased, arrived at his
father’s bedside just before his death, upon receipt of a telegram at
Tucson, A. T., where he was, that his father was dangerously ill. Frank was
formerly a foreman in the Mirror office, and as, with his family, the sympathy
not only of the printing fraternity in his affliction, but of very many other
friends.
Los Angeles Times
October 3, 1883 - pg. 0-4
Died
Holbrook - At 12:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3d, Jessie, infant daughter of
J. F. and Lora M. Holbrook. Funeral from the residence, No. 43 Vine street,
this afternoon (Wednesday) at 3 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend.
Los Angeles Times
November 17, 1883 - pg. 0-4
Died
Smith – In this city Nov. 16, 1883, at 11 o’clock a. m. Sue Glassell
Smith, wife of Col. Geo. H. Smith. The funeral will take place from the Episcopal
Church, corner of Temple and New High streets, at 3 o’clock this afternoon.
Los Angeles Times
September 26, 1883 - pg O-4
Killed in the Street
Henry Amadon Waylaid and Murdered Yesterday Morning
Date Street the Scene of one of the Blackest Deeds in the Criminal Annals
of Los Angeles - Two Arrests Made
At about half-past 4 o'clock yesterday morning a murder almost as foul and
brutal as was ever known in the bloodstained annals of early Los Angeles was
committed on Date street, near the new railroad depot. This cowardly crime is
recorded in the blood of an amiable man, named Henry Amadon, a fireman of the
Southern Pacific Railroad -- a man who is said by old-timers to be an example
of kindness and suavity….
Los Angeles Times
September 27, 1883 - pg. O-4
The Funeral.
The funeral of the murdered man took place yesterday at 3 p.m., the procession
forming at the corner of First and Main streets. It was led by the City Band,
No. 38's Engine Company, Confidence Engine Company No. 2., Vigilant Hook and
Ladder Company and Park Hose Company participating. A number of the members
of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers also assisted in the ceremonies.
The deceased was buried in the City Cemetery on the hill, a large concourse
of people being present. Rev. E. S. Chase of Asbury M. E. Church, East Los Angeles,
officiated.
Los Angeles Times
September 27, 1883 pg O-4
The Mysterious Murder
Further Facts Concerning the Dreadful Crime
Conclusion of the Inquest – The Probable Criminals – Motives for
the Crime – Amadon’s Funeral
The mysterious murder of Henry C. Amadon still continues to excite great public
interest, and, while there were not startling developments yesterday, there
is no doubt that the chain of evidence is drawing closer and closer around the
real criminals. There were numberless rumors about the streets yesterday, one
of the most prominent being that Billings had turned State’s evidence
against Forster and made a clean breast of the affair. Investigation at police
headquarters, however, showed that this rumor has, as yet, no foundation, and
both the suspected parties, Billings and Forster, are still confined in jail.
The general opinion is that John Forster is the most deeply implicated in
the terrible crime, and that the woman and her brother Brown, alias Billings,
are nearly as deep in the mire. This impression concerning Mrs. Amadon
was believed to be so well founded that a complaint, charging her with being
an accessory to the crime, was actually sworn out, but not served, as she has
two young children and is so closely watched that she cannot escape.
Henry C. Amadon had $1000 insurance on his life in the Fireman’s Brotherhood,
being a benefit payable to his wife in case of his death. It is hinted
that this circumstance was very well known by both Forster and Mrs. Amadon,
and may have influenced their action. Amadon’s dues to the Society were,
however, in arrears, and the Brotherhood does not intend that the woman shall
have any portion of the benefit, but are willing to provide for the children.
In regard to the testimony concerning the pistol found, quite a number of railroad
men deny that the weapon exhibited ever belonged to Amadon; that he was undoubtedly
unarmed, and the pistol found in the street was thrown there, with two cartridges
out of it, to create a belief that Amadon fired two shots.
The mother of Mrs. Amadon has kept for several years a house of ill-fame at
Anaheim and her daughter was reared in the midst of the most evil associations.
Contradictory reports are circulated concerning the relations between Amadon
and his wife, and the truth of the matter is hard to reach. Amadon’s
reputation seems to have been excellent on the railroad, and his friends say
he provided his family with everything necessary for their comfort.
Los Angeles Times
October 3, 1883 - pg O-4
The Amadon Murder
The Public Excluded from the Court-Room
Several Witnesses Examined – A Strong Case Against All of the Accused
– Some of the Testimony that will be Given
Yesterday morning, at 10 o’clock, Justice Ling’s courtroom was
crowded with spectators, anxious to hear the particulars of the most deliberate
and cold-blooded assassination that has ever taken place in Los Angeles.
Prominent among them were railroad associates of the deceased, by whom he was
highly appreciated and respected. They were also associates of the alleged
principal in the bloody net, but whose utter worthlessness puts him beneath
their notice. In fact, between the alleged assassin and the unfortunate
Henry C. Amadon, there lay a great gulf, on one side of which was respectability
and honor and on the other hoodlumism and baseness.
In addition to the dense crowd in the courtroom, the corridors were full of
people and the eager crowd extended down the stairways to Spring and Main streets,
respectively. All were gossiping and all were earnest in their denunciations
of the yet unknown murderers.
Precisely at 10 o’clock Justice Ling called the Court to order. Soon
the prisoners were brought in and took their seats. Both women were veiled,
so no expression of theirs could be detected. The young men looked nervous
and Billings kept twirling his thumbs, as if at a loss what to do. Foster had
an ear stuffed with cotton, apparently to stifle the reproaches of conscience,
if he has such a thing.
The District Attorney announced that the People were ready and the defense
made the same statement. Mr. C. F. Rutan was sworn as shorthand reporter.
Mr. H. T. Gage, counsel for Foster, then demanded a private examination in
accordance with section 868 of the Penal Code, which he read. The District
Attorney consented, and the Justice told the audience that he regretted that
they could not hear the evidence, but that the law was imperative, and the room
must be cleared of all but the prisoners and their counsel, the counsel for
the prosecution, the officers having the prisoners in charge, and his (Ling’s)
clerk in this case, the short-hand reporter.
The crowd slowly and unwillingly retired, muttering curses, not loud but deep.
Such words as, “It must be a desperate case, when they are afraid to let
people hear;” “Wonder if they are afraid of a mob,”
etc. Quite a crowd remained in the corridors and at the foot of the stairs
all day, showing the deep interest all classes take in the proceedings.
The Court held morning and afternoon sessions, and then adjourned until this
morning at ten o’clock, when there will be another star chamber session.
Very little of the evidence given has leaked out. In fact, it is hard
to ascertain exactly who were witnesses, but one thing is certain, Mrs. M. Brown,
of Anaheim, the mother of the two women and Tom Billings, was there. She needed
no introductions to attorneys or others present; in fact, seemed to know all
in the room. What her testimony was could not be learned, but it is rumored
it was to prove the eminent respectability of her children and show that she
had directed them in the path of virtue and trained them up in the way that
they should go. There was no attempt made to impeach her testimony so far as
could be learned. Besides this and a little pass at arms between His Honor
and the District Attorney, nothing was heard.
However, if there be no leak in the evidence taken yesterday, which is said
to be unimportant, information may come from other directions. It is well
before starting to clear up the mystery surrounding this case – to look
back. Henry C. Amadon was married a number of years ago, perhaps eight,
to one of the women arrested on the charge of having been a party to his murder.
His was always noted as an indulgent husband and loving father. A year
or two ago John Forster commenced visiting his house, generally during his absence,
while out on the road attending to his duties as a fireman. Mrs. Amadon had
a sister named Isabella, who some time ago married a fireman named Greenleaf,
who was killed in an Arizona railroad accident shortly afterwards. So
Isabel became a widow and William Smith, also a fireman on the S.P.R.R., became
enamored of the fair (?) Isabel. Amadon lived on Chavez street, near Date,
and Isabella and her brother Tom Billings, or Brown, lived in the house.
Of late, Forster and Mrs. Amadon have been most shameless in their amours; in
fact, poor Henry Amadon was almost a stranger in his own house. He must
have known of these unblushing indecencies, but having two children, that he
was so strong that he could not openly denounce their mother, however faithless
she might be as a wife. This showed the noble nature of the man, and it
was this trait in his character that endeared him to his associates. Night
after night he was at his place on the engine, braving danger and death, that
he might make something for his little ones, and night after night his place,
in his home and at his fireside, was usurped by John Forster, one of the meanest
hoodlums Los Angeles ever produced. Forster and Smith were regular habituea
of the Amadon mansion, and felt themselves more at home than its master.
In fact, the illicit relations became apparent to the most obtuse. Forster
was brakeman on a train which passed at a certain hour the one on which Smith
ran as fireman, when such a colloquy as this would take place: “Well,
how’s Isabella?” “Oh, first-rate.” “How’s
Ella?” “Has Amadon been around bothering them lately?”
All this talk in the presence of witness on the train, so that Henry Amadon’s
home was actually taken away from him by these two men. On the Sunday prior
to his death he went over to Anaheim, but his wife had preceded him, accompanied
by Forster. They had been at her mother’s house, but learning that Amadon
was in town, Mrs. Amadon took refuge with a neighbor, knowing Henry did not
like her to go to her mother’s and there he saw her. He returned the same
day and she returned on Monday. Now comes the peculiar part of this peculiarly
horrible killing.
Amadon would in the regular order of things have come back on Wednesday, but
having been appointed an engineer he was obliged to come back on Tuesday morning
to take out the engine in the afternoon. On Monday, Thomas Brown, or Billings,
inquired at the depot and ascertained that Henry would return on Tuesday morning
at an early hour. Henry was returning full of enthusiasm that he had at
last got his well-earned promotion to the position of engineer; but what a reception
awaited him! No loving wife with outstretched arms, but a guilty woman
masquerading with her paramour. What was she doing? She was up all night
with her sister, dressed in men’s clothes, and at a late hour they were
seen in a saloon opposite the new depot, where they took a drink and then started
towards their home. In the saloon Smith was shaking dice for the drinks
and Billings and Forster were not far off. Shortly after, five persons
in men’s clothes were seen on Date street, but two of them were women.
At the usual hour Henry C. Amadon jumped off his train on Alameda street and
hurried along Date street. As he passed the group, Mrs. Greenleaf says,
“My God! There’s Henry now—what shall I do?”
Smith, who was with her told her to stand still there, which she did.
Henry turned, saw Smith and saying, “Holloa, Smith, is that you?”
shook hands, not recognizing his wife in her disguise. As he turned from
Smith a shot was fired, it is believed by his wife, which went through his heart
and lungs. Another below the neck from Forster finished the job. Billings
ran to the house and went to bed, while the women hurried home and divested
themselves of their masculine garb and came out shortly afterwards to the scene
in their nightdresses. All this time there was an innocent spectator in
the brush watching what he supposed was only a masquerade, but which proved
a tragedy.
So Henry C. Amadon met his untimely fate; in the prime of manhood, and full
of hope for the future. Such an act, if done by his wife, at her instigation
or by her consent, would almost throw Lucretia Borgia in the shade, so wealthy,
so cowardly was it. Let us hope that the facts will be ascertained and
then justice be meted out to the guilty. Let not murder stalk boldy in
the land, but let justice be strong enough to suppress this monster, to protect
the innocent and shield the weak.
Los Angeles Times
September 29, 1883 page O-4
The Murder Case
The Four Prisoners Brought Before Justice Ling Yesterday
The Court Room Crowded – The Prisoners Obtain Counsel and Case Adjourned
Until Tuesday
At 9 o’clock yesterday morning, Forster and Billings appeared in Justice
Ling’s court to be arraigned for the murder of Henry C. Amadon.
The courtroom was crowded with a mixed audience, whose interested was whetted
by the horrible atrocity of the crime. Those who did not know the criminals
made every effort to get a square look at their features. Forester is
slim and medium height, formerly having the cognomen of “blear-eyed Forster,”
on account of the peculiar appearance of his eyes. He is not an Adonis
by any means, but there is no accounting for tastes. A few years ago he
drove his father out of the house, and the latter shortly afterwards died in
Phoenix, A.T. His mother is a large, full-blooded Mexican woman, though
Forster shows little trace of that, partaking more of his German father’s
complexion. His education is very limited and was mainly gained on the
street—in short he seemed to be a natural born hoodlum. Billings
is shorter than Forster, and got his start out into the world from a notorious
house kept by his mother in this city. Such are the men charged with this
terrible crime.
At the hour of opening court District Attorney White dismissed the complaint
and Chief of Police Cuddy swore to a new complaint, charging not only those
two men, but Mrs. Amadon, the widow of the murdered man, and her sister, Mrs.
Lottie Greenleaf, with complicity in the same crime. On this a warrant
was issued, and in about half an hour the Sheriff brought them into Court.
The widow was dressed in black and closely veiled, but her sister, though in
mourning, was not veiled. The two women are of medium height, neither
at all good looking, and the younger carrying an insipid expression in her brassy
face. In the face of the older there is a little improvement in good looks,
but she could never pose for a Langtry. They both graduated in the same
school as their half-brother, Billings. During the reading of the complaint
all seemed to be deeply impressed by the terrible charge.
The Court informed them that they were entitled to counsel, and for Forster
appeared Del Valle & DuPuy and H. T. Gage, Esq. The women selected
Brunson & Wells, of that firm, appeared for them and their brother.
After a consultation the examination was set for next Tuesday and the accused
returned to jail.
So ends the first chapter of what will be a noted trial. A wife, her
paramour, her sister and her brother, charged with the deliberate assassination
of a devoted husband to the wife and a loving father of her children!
A more atrocious crime can scarcely be imagined, and, no doubt, a thrill of
horror went through all as they looked on this quartette. What devil could suggest
it to the wife’s thoughts, what wickedness could prompt the others to
assist? A shocked community await the trial with increasing interest and
will watch its progress with the greatest sharpness. Human life is becoming
too cheap in Los Angeles, and no one is safe from a class who live on crime.
The plan of the defense is not known, but they are able attorneys and will
no doubt make a shrewd defense with all the legal lore they possess.
It can hardly be suicide, though young Billings suggested it when he was running
with another man for a policeman. It can hardly be justifiable homicide,
do the trial alone can tell us their plan.
As for the prosecution, nobody knows their plan, except those having the evidence
within their grasp. It is just such a case as one of our city Vidoeqs
might make a reputation upon. Rumors are afloat that a certain party has already
turned State’s evidence, that he was a silent witness of the assassination
and that there were two women, dressed in men’s clothes, who assisted
in the deed. It would be a thing terribly revolting were such the fact.
But the streets are full of rumors, though this is the worst of all.
What the Mother of the Girls Says
Mrs. M. Brown, of Anaheim, sends us the following clipping from the Times:
"The mother of Mrs. Amadon has kept for several years a house of ill-fame
at Anaheim, and her daughter was reared in the midst of the most evil associations,"
accompanied by the annexed letter:
Anaheim, Sept. 28
Mr. Editor - I wish to correct this piece. I raised my children as careful
as any one ever did, until they were married, before I ever thought of keeping
a house that you say I do. They never had evil associations. I have always
been careful of my children to raise them right, and many a wealthy mother has
worse children than I have, and this has nothing to do with the foul murder
that has been committed and left the poor woman and children without a protector.
Hoping you will correct this for this sake, I am,
Mrs. M. Brown
The above is published for what it is worth.
Los Angeles Times
January 11, 1885 pg 6
MUNSON - In this city, December 20, 1884, S. T. Munson of Yaquima, W. T. [Washington
Territory]. Funeral to-day at 2 p.m. from the undertaking parlors of Albert
Brown, No. 234 North Main street, under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. Interment
in the I.O.O.F. cemetery
Los Angeles Times
July 16, 1886 - pg. 6
Major J. F. Guirado was buried yesterday in the old City Cemetery, under
the auspices of the Knights of Pythias. The funeral was largely attended.
Los Angeles Times
January 30, 1887 - pg. 4
Mrs. Workman Dead
Mrs. Nancy Workman, whose critical sickness had already been noted, died
early this morning, at her home in Boyle Heights. She was in her 80th year.
Mrs. Workman was the mother of Mayor William H. Workman and of E. H. Workman,
and was widely known and respect. The funeral takes place tomorrow at 2 p.m.
from the residence, 283 Aliso avenue. She will be buried in the old City Cemetery
on the hill.
Los Angeles Times
February 1, 1887 - pg. 5
The funeral of the late Mrs. Workman, mother of Mayor W. H. Workman, took
place yesterday and was largely attended by prominent citizens. The remains
were interred in the city cemetery on the hill.
Los Angeles Times
May 15, 1889 - pg 2
Gen. Volney E. Howard
End of a Notable Public Career Yesterday
His Death at Santa Monica
A Brief Review of His Career
A Contemporary of S. S. Prentiss
Member of Congress and Judge
Gen. Volney Erskine Howard, one of the oldest and most distinguished citizens
of the county, and for many years the leader of the bar in this city, died at
Santa Monica yesterday, at the advanced age of 80 years, loved and honored by
all who knew him. Gen. Howard retired from private practice about five years
ago, since which time he has been but little before the public. The increasing
infirmities of age, however, made rapid progress during the past year, and about
a month ago he was removed to Santa Monica, where he passed away yesterday.
Volney E. Howard was born in Oxford county, Me., October 29, 1809. His father,
Richard Howard, was a farmer, and his mother, Mehitable Root, the daughter of
a Universalist minister of some reputation in his state, and both parents were
much above the average in culture and education. Young Howard had the usual
experience of the New England farmer lad, and at a suitable age he entered Bloomfield
Academy, and afterward took a course at the Waterville College. He then studied
law with Felix Sprague and E. H. Lambert, at Waterville, and in his 22nd year
was offered a partnership by his uncle, N. G. Howard, who was practicing law
in Mississippi. This was in 1832, and young Howard at once started out for that
State, but on his arrival at his destination, after a long and tedious journey,
he found that his uncle had died some weeks previously, and he was thrown on
his own resources. After finishing his legal studies he commenced the practice
of law at Brandon, and soon occupied a position in the front rank of the ablest
bar in the South at that time, composed of such men as Gen. Quitman, S. S. Prentiss,
George Poindexter and Robert J. Walker. He was elected to the Legislature in
1836, at which session Robert J. Walker was first elected United States Senator,
he taking an active part in that contest. Gen. Howard was a consistent and pronounced
Democrat, even at this early stage in his career, and purchased the Mississippian,
which, under his able management, became the leading organ of the Democracy
in the state, and further increased his fame as a writer and statesman. In 1836
he was selected to carry the electoral vote of the State to Washington, and
while there, he married Miss Catharine Elizabeth Goach of Massachusetts, who
has been his life-long companion and bore to him a large family of children,
10 in number.
Upon his return from the National capital he was appointed Supreme Court
Reporter of the State, a place he filled to the satisfaction of the entire people,
and in 1840 he ran for Congress as the nominee of the Democratic party, but
was defeated by George Tucker, the Whig candidate, although he ran 1000 votes
ahead of his ticket.
When in the Legislature he opposed the Union Bank Bill, and was afterward
chosen by the Democracy to answer S. S. Prentiss in the discussion of the currency
question at Jackson, in which he held his own against the leading orator and
statesman [can’t read].
When the Union Bank failed, Gen. Howard fearlessly criticized in his paper
both the officers of the Bank and their management, which led to a duel between
himself and Hiram Runnels, the president of the institution, Runnels being the
challenging party. The meeting took place at Columbus, and Gen. Howard was wounded,
the bullet striking a rib and glancing around the breast.
When the question of repudiation came up Gen. Howard opposed it strongly,
and when it was carried he moved his family to New Orleans and commence the
practice of law, but soon removed to Texas, which was then on the point of being
admitted into the Union, first setting in San Antonio, and being elected a member
of the first Constitutional Convention of the State. He afterward removed to
Austin, where he was joined by his family. Gen Howard’s career at the
Texas bar was a notable one, and honors crowded fast upon him. He was elected
to Congress in 1850 and reelected in 1862, and occupied a prominent position
in the House on account of the stand his State had taken on the Clay compromise
measures.
On account of his familiarity with the Spanish grant law, Gen. Howard, in
1853, was appointed United States Attorney to the Land Commission to settle
titles in California, and came to this State in this capacity. He resigned,
however, in a few months, and began the practice of law in San Francisco, at
once taking a high position at the bar of that city. He enjoyed a lucrative
practice up to 1856, when the vigilante troubles arose, when Gen. Howard took
a strong stand in favor of the supremacy of the law, and was appointed by the
Governor to the command of the State militia to put down the trouble. In this
he was unsuccessful, and Gen. Howard removed to Sacramento, where he remained
until 1858, when he returned to Oakland, and resumed the practice of law. But
the part he had taken against the vigilantes had made him many enemies in San
Francisco, and in 1881, Gen Howard removed to Los Angeles, where he has since
resided.
From 1861 to 1870 Gen. Howard served several terms as District Attorney,
and in 1878-’79 was a member of the Constitutional Convention. At the
close of the session when he was taken down with pneumonia, and over-exerted
himself during the campaign, before he had fully recovered, he had a relapse,
and never again recovered his natural robust health.
Gen. Howard was elected Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles in that
year (having declined the nomination for the Supreme Bench) and served out his
term. This was the last public office he ever held, his health being too feeble
to continue in active service, and he retired, taking no further part in either
business or politics.
This morning at 11 o’clock there will be a meeting of the bar of this
city in Judge Cheney’s courtroom for the purpose of arranging for the
funeral of Judge Howard.
Los Angeles Times
May 16, 1889 - pg 2
...The remains will arrive from Santa Monica this morning at 11:45 o'clock.
They will be met at the Wolfskill depot by members of the bar and friends. From
the depot they will be taken to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Olive street, where
services will be held, and then the procession will move to Fort Hill Cemetery,
the place of interment...
Los Angeles Times
December 6, 1889 - pg. 6
ANDERSON - In this city, Thursday, December 5, 1889, David W. Anderson, aged
23 years. Funeral from the family residence, 541 South Grand avenue, Sunday
December 8, 1889 at 2 o'clock p.m. Interment at the City Cemetery. Friends and
acquaintances are invited to attend without further notice.
Los Angeles Times
May 17, 1889, pg 2
Gen. Howard
Last Rites Appropriately Paid Him
Yesterday the funeral of the late Gen. Volney E. Howard, who died at Santa
Monica last Tuesday, took place. In the morning the pall-bearers, consisting
of the follow-named gentlemen left for Santa Monica to escort the remains to
this city: Hon. S. M. White, Judge A. W. Hutton, Hon. R. F. del Valle,
Col. George H. Smith, Col. G. Wiley Wells, Gen. John Mansfield, Judge J. D.
Bicknell and Judge J. Brousseau. They returned at 12 o'clock and were
met at the Wolfskill depot by a number of friends of the deceased and members
of the bar. The funeral party entered carriages and were driven to St.
Paul's Church, which was handsomely draped with flowers and evergreens, where
the funeral service was conducted by Rev. Dr. Judd. The choir sang "Nearer,
My God, to Thee," when the rector read a chapter from the Bible and the
choir sang "Rock of Ages" and "Thy Will be Done."
Dr. Judd then stated that it is not the custom in his church to eulogize the
dead, but upon this occasion he could not refrain from making a few remarks
in honor of the deceased, as he was with him during his last illness. Hen he
paid a high tribute to the General, and in feeling terms told how he had awaited
his end without fear.
After the ceremony the body was placed in the sacred edifice, and a last look
was taken at the face that had been loved so well. The casket--a most
beautiful one--was profusely decorated with floral offerings. The contributions
consisted of a bank of lilies, a pillow of roses and violets and an anchor of
the same, and a large sheaf of wheat. The large congregation then filed
out of the church and formed into a long procession, which slowly wended its
way to the cemetery on Fort Hill, where the interment took place.
Los Angeles Times
April 25, 1890 pg 5
Board of Health
Disinterments Forbidden in Odd Fellows' Cemetery
At a special meeting of the Board of Health last evening, Drs. Davisson, Hagan
and Wright and Health Officer MacGowan were present...
Health Officer MacGowan referred to the complaints in reference to the exhuming
of dead bodies in the Odd Fellows Cemetery on Fort Hill, and in order to fully
explain the matter, read the following permit, which he granted the Odd Fellows'
Association on March 11 last:
In accordance with the authorization of the Board of Health at its session
of February 20, 1890, I hereby grant you a formal permission for the removal
of the bodies of the dead from the Odd Fellows' Cemetery on Fort Hill to the
new Odd Fellows' Cemetery beyond the city limits. This permit must, in
all cases of removal, accompany the bodies to their destination. It is
understood that all removals must take place at night, and be concluded in a
manner not offensive to the senses of sight and smell. It is further understood
that the <illegible> removed is to reported at the health office in writing
within 24 hours after the date of its removal, under the penalty of the revoking
of this permission and prosecution of the association under the general health
and burial laws of this state.
Yesterday the Health Officer issued the following order, revoking the above:
Disinterments are forbidden until the close of the schools. All bodies
in the future removed from the graves in the old cemetery to the new cemetery
must be disinterred during the time of the vacation of these schools.
On motion of Dr. Davisson a resolution was passed that it was the sense of
the board that the removal of the bodies was in open violation of the conditions
of the permission granted by the Health Officer, by orders of the board...
"Sublett's Heirs - A Suit to Recover Los Angeles Property
is Brewing"
Los Angeles Times
September 14, 1895 pg 1
(Regular Associated Press Report)
ST. LOUIS (MO.) Sept. 13 - It is stated that suits to recover property valued
at $27,000,000 located in Los Angeles., Cal, Jackson and Cole Counties, Mo.,
and in St. Louis will be filed in the near future by Attorney Thomas B. Crews
of St. Louis on behalf of the heirs of Pinkney W. Sublett, deceased, formerly
of this city. The property in this city consists of 250 acres in the western
part of town as Sublett's division.
"The Sublett Claims - The Family Known by Residents
of This City"
Los Angeles Times
September 15, 1895 - age 15
Inquiry was made yesterday by a Times reporter in reference to the dispatch
from St. Louis, Mo., stating that suits had been instituted by the hairs of
Pinkey W. Sublett to recover property in this city and elsewhere valued at $27,000,000.
W. J. A. Smith, a deputy in the City Assessor's office, said he formerly knew
of the Subletts in St. Louis, but did not know of any of them ever having been
here. It was about thirty years ago that he knew of them in St. Louis.
Eugene Riggin, the real estate man, said he remembered Solomon P. Sublett,
who lived at Chettenham, a suburb of St. Louis, on the Missouri and Pacific
Railway, a good many years ago. Sublett told Riggin about having a brother
in California who had large interests in mines and lands. He came to California
in 1849.
Solomon P. Sublett, Mr. Riggin said, has since died, but he thinks the brother
of which Sublett told him was the Pinkey W. Sublett mentioned in the dispatch.
At the County Clerk's office it was said that no papers in the suit in question
had been filed as would have to be done if suit were prosecuted for the recovery
of property in this city.
At the City Hall - Fort Hill Cemetery
February 20, 1896 - pg 8
A Landmark Councilman Snyder Would Like to Erase.
Councilman Snyder of the Second Ward finds himself in a peculiar predicament
by reason of a certain cemetery, of uncertain age, that is a landmark in the
portion of the city represented by the genial member from the Second Ward.
In the early days, when Los Angeles was but a pueblo, and had not the modern
improvements that now entitle her to distinction as a full-fledge metropolis,
the handful of Americans that lived in the place established a burial ground
on a sightly elevation within what is at this time the geographical center of
the city. On Fort Hill, between Castelar street and Bellevue avenue, land was
purchased, inclosed with a tasteful fence and, as the years passed, became the
habitation of the dead, the fathers, mothers and friends of many of the men
who are now predominantly identified with the life of Los Angeles.
The old cemetery is deserted now. The graves are neglected, the flowers
droop and wither upon the ground, and the moldy headboards tell the melancholy
story of death. For years a watchman was employed by those who had interested
in the graveyard, and the place was kept in order, its sanctity preserved and
traditions cherished.
But it has received no care of late, save the occasional attention of a bereaved
man or woman, who might decorate the grave of a friend or relative from no other
impulse than love and affection for the departed. But the cemetery has
suffered from worse than neglect. Its sequestered situation has made it
the haunt and rendezvous of vile persons, who have not scrupled to profane the
place with orgies too filthy to allow of description. Men and women, and
the young of both sexes, frequent the cemetery, where there is no one to molest
them, and have succeeded in transforming what was once a sacred and hallowed
spot to a retreat that is better than a place of assignation.
This state of affairs was taken cognizance of recently by Councilman Snyder,
in whose ward the cemetery is located, and he at once cast about to find a remedy
for the trouble. After some searching of law books, an enactment of the
Legislature made in 1893 was discovered, which seemed to promise relief from
the nuisance. The enactment referred to reads as follows:
"The City Council of any city in the State having a population of more
than 1500 and not exceeding 100,000 may, by ordinance duly passed and under
such lawful rules and regulations which it may adopt, provide for the exhuming,
taking up and removal from cemeteries within the boundary lines of such city,
or from cemeteries owned and controlled by such city that may have been located
within its boundaries (and in which such cemeteries no interments of human remains
have been made for a period of not less than two years) of all the human remains
interred in such cemeteries."
It will be seen that by this statute power is vested in the City Council to
remove bodies interred in a cemetery, when two years has elapsed from the date
of the last interment. Councilman Snyder at once introduced a motion in
the Council instructing the City Attorney to present an ordinance providing
for the removal of bodies in the Fort Hill Cemetery. The motion was adopted
and the instructions forwarded to the City Attorney. This took place in
December of last year, but no report to the Council in the matter has ever been
made by the City Attorney.
Los Angeles Times
July 21, 1901 pg B3
Fought a Duel in a Cemetery
Queerest of all the Early-Morning Shooting Scrapes
Two Men Drove Up to the Old Masonic Burying Ground in a Hack, Jumped Out and
Blazed Away at Each Other
The mysterious gun has again gone off in the troubled air of early morning.
This time a grewsome [sic] setting intensifies the interest in the shooting,
and the mystery is the deepest yet, for not even the man with the wound can
be found. It has just leaked out that a duel took place last Wednesday
morning at 5:30 o'clock in the old Masonic Cemetery that occupies the corner
just north of the Los Angeles High School.
The only witness who will tell what he saw is a young man named Morris Stephenson.
At the time stated he was delivering papers on Hill street, when a one-horse
hack drove up to the gate of the cemetery and three men hurridly alighted and
disappeared into the ghoulish shades beyond. In a few minutes two shots
rang out, and almost immediately two of the men ran back to the carriage, one
mounting, coatless, beside the driver. The rig disappeared down Hill street.
The third man, who never reappeared, is the heart of the mystery. What
became of him? Who was he?
A vest that lies in a secluded corner, the presence of which the surrounding
inhabitants who pass through the graveyard every day cannot explain, is the
only evidence that anything living has lately invaded the weed-grown hamlet
of the dead.
On the western edge of the cemetery, surrounded by sunken graves, is the house
of a Mexican family. They resolutely keep their mouths closed, and disclaim
any knowledge of the affair. If a wounded man escaped without coming out
by Hill street, he must have made his way directly in front of his house and
out by the way of Stephens Place.
The boy who saw the men get out of the hack did not stay in the open to see
the finish but, as he expresses it, "took a sneak behind a greenhouse and
stayed sneaked till it was done." So the puzzle probably will remain
unsolved.
Los Angeles Times
September 20, 1902 pg A3
Seeking Spanish Gold
Fortune Hunters Again Prospecting Old Fort Hill Cemetery for Alleged Buried
Treasure
If gold can be had simply for digging down in the gravelly earth a few feet,
who wouldn't make the effort? So think the fortune-hunters, whose imaginations
have been fired by prospects of recovering the buried gold and treasures of
an old Spanish family, and last night they resumed their work in the old city
cemetery on Fort Hill.
The story goes that in the early days a wealthy Spanish family, during an
invasion of enemies, gathered its wealth of gold and jewels and buried them
in the old cemetery grounds. A diagram of the location was made and passed
from the original treasure-hiders to other relatives, and the obliteration of
guiding marks caused them to lose the location of the wealth.
It is said the gold was never recovered, and only a few weeks ago much excitement
was created by efforts of parties to locate the place. A hole about fourteen
feet deep was dug, and great crowds of people gathered for several nights to
watch proceedings, until the whole business became a nuisance, and the police
ordered the digging discontinued.
Last night, just after dusk, the work was resumed. A mysterious stranger
from Ventura, who is on familiar terms with the spirit world, and who also claims
to have skill with the divining rod, has been down here during the week, going
over the ground, and at last located the proper spot to dig. It is about twelve
feet northeast of the place where the last effort to find the fortune was made;
and is in the alley at the south side of the High School.
The plan to being work last night was kept strictly on the q.t. and the only
parties witnessing the operation besides the principals and the Italian digger,
were Special Policeman Jerry Reinsen and a Times reporter. Joe Pieprich
was in charge of the work, but claims to be acting for other parties, who have
great faith in the powers of the mysterious Ventura expert and his spirit friends
and divining rod.
Pieprich was accompanied by another man who said he came there to see that
his friend, the digger, got along all right; but who remarked, incidentally,
that the real location of the buried gold was several feet farther west in the
cemetery. However, as they couldn’t get a permit to dig there, he
supposed they might as well go ahead where they had a chance.
Work was kept up until 10:30, when a hole about six feet deep and four feet
wide had been excavated, with only sand and gravel coming to light. The
hole was covered and operations were suspended until tonight.
This is the fourth attempt to locate the alleged fortune. With many
of the Spanish people the belief is strong that a large amount of wealth was
actually buried on Fort Hill, but the history of it becomes hazy when investigated.
Los Angeles Times
March 29, 1904 pg A4
Lot for High School
Purchase of Masonic Cemetery Property is Authorized by the Board
The purchase of High School purposes of property lying northeasterly from
and adjoining the High School grounds was practically authorized by the Board
of Education at its meeting last night.
By a resolution offered by Mr. Page and adopted by the Board, it is proposed
by buy the land for $15,000 from the Masonic Cemetery Association. The lot lies
on the westerly, or northwesterly, side of Hill street, which opens that thoroughfare
into Bellvue avenue. The lot is about 180 x 300 feet. It lies nearly
level with the present High School grounds.
One of the conditions of the purchase is that all the bodies shall be removed
from the cemetery. The deal is made dependant on a number of other provisions
of a technical character...
Los Angeles Times
March 2, 1905 pg II-1
Men Faint at their Jobs
Removing Bodies from Old Masonic Cemetery
Hard to Get Hands to Keep the Work A-going
Morbidly Curious Throng is Attracted to Scene
In the presence of hundreds of High School students, whose schools align each
side of the grounds, a grewsome [sic] sight was witnessed yesterday at the old
Masonic Cemetery on North Hill street. It was the disinterment of the
bodies of deceased Masons and members of their families, preparatory to removing
them to the new Masonic Cemetery east of the city.
Many morbidly curious people visited the cemetery and watched the process
of unearthing the bodies. The remains were taken out of the coffins and
placed in redwood boxes, and the names at once marked on the boxes, which were
stacked up like cordwood to await transportation to the new resting places.
In many cases the caskets had almost disappeared and but little remained of
the bodies; but in other graves, even though there have been no burials there
since 1888, bodies were fairly well preserved, and the caskets were in a remarkable
state of preservation.
An unusual condition was found in several of the graves, which were thoroughly
saturated with water, the coffins being filled, and the seepage from the sidewalks
making such a pool that it was necessary to bail out the graves before the bodies
could be taken up. Adjoining these were graves that when opened showed
dry soil and the coffins intact. A possible explanation is that the graves
so wet may have been made during the rainy season, and while the soil was loose
the water saturated them, finally seeping into the coffins and caskets, where
it was retained; while the other graves were made during the dry season
and the ground had time to settle before the rains fell.
The work of removal has been placed by the Masons in charge of a committee
composed of A. M. Bragg, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the cemetery association,
John King and Charles Eckelstrom. These men are personally supervising the work
and are carefully checking up each grave and disinterment.
Too Grewsome
It has been found difficult to get workmen to do the labor required, because
of its peculiarly distressing character. Finally the committee secured
a gang of Slavonians; but even these men cannot become inured to the scenes
they have to witness, and daily they are quitting the work. The gathering
up of human bones, patches of hair, bits and shreds of grave clothes, and the
seeking of missing members in the muck and mire of the watery graves is enough
to try the hardiest and most unsensitive of men. Yesterday several man left
their work when a particularly distressing case came to light, and some were
so overcome that they were laid out on the grass.
The records show that there were 170 interments in the old cemetery.
Of these twenty-two had been moved up to yesterday, and the work of yesterday
resulted in the disinterment of fifteen bodies. The moving will be hurried
along as rapidly as possible, and it is expected that the last grave beside
the High School will be relieved of its occupants and refilled with earth within
two weeks.
The new cemetery consists of thirty acres, purchased of K. C. Wells of Riverside,
and lying just to the west of the Jewish cemetery, at the junction of the Downey
and Whittier county roads. It is about three miles from the easterly end of
First street. The tract was purchased for $(textmissing-remainder of article
illegible)
Los Angeles Times
July 3, 1941 - page A4
First "Fourth" in Los Angeles
The Fourth of July celebration was 71 years coming to Los Angeles – almost
three-quarters of a century after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence
at Philadelphia in 1776.
The first patriotic hurrah of the sort was in 1847 at the close of the Mexican
War, when, by treaty, Los Angeles and the rest of California became United States
territory.
Col. J. D. Stevenson, commanding officer in this section, gave orders for
a fitting celebration, and there was a huge gathering on that part of the hill
now above the present N. Broadway street-car tunnel.
Two 75-foot flagpoles, brought by oxcart from the San Bernardino Mountains,
were spliced together and the American Flag, with 28 stars, was hoisted to the
150-foot height by Lieut. J. W. Davidson, commanding a detachment of the 1st
Regiment of United States Dragoons, and in charge of the day’s program.
Big Doings
Also present were a detachment of the New York Regiment of Mexican War Volunteers
who had come around the Horn in a clipper ship to take part in a Mexican War
and a part of the Mormon Battalion quartered here. All were about to be
disbanded.
Every man, woman and child within 50 miles of the pueblo was on hand to thrill
to the cannon salutes and to hear the Declaration of Independence read in English
and Spanish. During the speeches, bugle calls, musket rattlery and drill exhibitions,
the hill, up to that time known simply as “the hill” or Cemetery
Hill, because of an ancient graveyard on the western slope, was formally dedicated
at Ft. Moore Hill in honor of Benjamin D. Moore, the dragoon captain who a little
while before had been killed in the San Pascual skirmish near the present town
of Escondido. It has been the name for almost 100 years.
Fear of Trouble
After the first celebration, July 4 was a big day each year until the period
preceding and during the American Civil War.
Because of the many Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and other southern people
here, Los Angeles was a “secessionist hotbed.”
Mayor Damien Marchessault (after whom the Plaza street is named), Civil War-time
Mayor and himself a New Orleans man, “cracked down” on all July
4 commemorations, announcing several times from a public platform that he was
afraid of disorder between northern and southern sympathizers.
Los Angeles Times
May 12, 1947, pg A1
Ft. Moore Hill Cemetery’s Last Bodies Removed
Another chapter in Southland history has been closed.
The last bodies have been removed from the Ft. Moore Hill site which was once
the cemetery for the hamlet of Los Angeles.
Arol Burns, land agent for the Board of Education, who for 10 years has carried
on the work of predecessors in obtaining deeds and consents from descendants,
disclosed that the remains of four persons recently were removed from a vault
behind what is now the board’s headquarters on N. Hill St.
Lengthy Travels
“One was that of an unidentified child,” said Burns, who has traveled
throughout the State obtaining necessary clearances from family members.
That the remains of Robert Snell Carlyle, 1827-1865, were in the brick structure
known because a metal plaque with his name showed behind the iron-grilled door.
Final action permitted the findings that other metal caskets contained the remains
of Hanbury MacDougall, about 4; and William J. Broderick Jr., who died at birth.
Removed to Crypts.
All remains were removed to crypts in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier.
The vault was the last monument condemned while graves and tombstones were
gradually moved from the site which housed Los Angeles High School, Central
Junior High School and the present administrative headquarters.
The space is needed for a new building to be erected because a portion of
the administrative area is in the pathway of the central freeway project.
Los Angeles Times
April 1, 2001
Ft. Moore Hill’s History a Matter of Life and Death
…During the 1850s, when justice was often administered by a mob and
a rope, drugstore owner and former state Sen. Alexander W. Hope resigned as
sheriff so he could organize the Los Angeles Rangers, a fraternal group of lawmen
who would eventually become the basis of the LAPD. When Hope died unexpectedly
from illness in 1856, he was buried in "the cemetery on the hill."
Hope Street was named in his honor.
The next year, the hill began doing double duty, as a gallows conveniently
located on Cemetery Hill. The notorious bandit Juan Flores and his gang had
murdered Los Angeles Sheriff James R. Barton and three of his five-man posse.
A month later, on Valentine's Day, 1857, before a crowd of 3,000 Angelenos--more
than half the county's population--the 22-year-old Flores was hanged, slowly
strangling to death. It was a hangman's double feature: no sooner had Flores
been cut down than Miguel Blanco, a thief who had robbed and stabbed a U.S.
Army officer, was strung up.
The man who succeeded Barton as sheriff, William Getman, was killed the next
year in a shootout at a livery stable. The funeral wagon carrying his mahogany
coffin had to inch carefully up the steep bluff on Cemetery Avenue, where carriages
had overturned…
In the 1870’s…R.V. Peabody's grave was surrounded by an ornate
iron railing, while Sir John Christopher Wagner's epitaph read: "He has
fought the good fight. He has kept the faith.
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