Day: July 14, 2019

Perhaps the outstanding character among the first settlers in the community of El Monte was that of Ira W. Thompson. Without doubt it could be truthfully stated that few men were more directly connected with the founding of the town at its beginning, for it was he who established the first stage depot on the site of the camp of the first pioneer arrivals. Ira Thompson was born in Vermont in the year 1800. No records are available locally as to his parentage or their nativity. Early in life he became a stonemason and practiced his trade in that state, … Read more

An inheritance of ability, courage and enterprise served to make Walter P. Temple one of the esteemed citizens of the vicinity of El Monte, where he engaged as a horticulturist and rancher. The pioneer of the family, Francis Pliny Fisk Temple, was one of the men who led the advance guard of the mighty hosts who brought American civilization to this sunny land. He was born in Reading, Massachusetts, February 13, 1822, and in that section was reared and educated. He was possessed of that sturdy independence of thought and self-reliant spirit that led his English ancestors to leave the … Read more

John C. Stephenson, Indian fighter and early resident of El Monte, was born in Knox County, Illinois, December 28, 1851. His father was T. W. Stephenson, also a native of Illinois and his mother, Rebecca (Ireland) Stephenson, who was born in Indiana. Until reaching his majority, Mr. Stephenson remained with his parents, who were farmers, and attended the local schools. Living in the great corn belt of Illinois. Mr. Stephenson became one of the state champion corn huskers. In 1873, he went to Iowa, and, in Des Moines, a short time later, enlisted in Company “H” of the 9th Infantry, … Read more

Remembered by pioneers of El Monte and vicinity especially for his stables of fine racehorses in the early days, Christopher C. Steele was one of the district’s most successful farmers and stockmen. Born in Franklin County, Arkansas in 1844, Mr. Steele was the son of John Steele, a native of Tennessee. In 1861, at the age of sixteen, he enlisted as a soldier in the Confederate Army, and fought in many major engagements in the Civil War. In the Battle of Vicksburg he was captured by the enemy and sent as a prisoner of war to Rock Island Prison. Later … Read more