California Genealogy

The Works Progress Administration

Biography of Henry Schmidt of El Monte California

Among the early pioneers of El Monte is the name of Henry Schmidt. Being the “Village Smithy”, he was well known and had an important part in the building of the community in its early stages. He was born in 1842, in Luxenburg, France. After practicing his trade as a blacksmith throughout Europe for a […]

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of Francis P. Sappington of El Monte California

One of El Monte’s successful and civic minded citizens, is F.P. Sappington, who came to El Monte when the populations was only about two hundred, with no public improvements, such as sidewalks, paved streets, or street lights. Mr. Sappington’s family history is a very colorful one, and one of which he is justly proud. Belonging

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of David I. Ritter of El Monte California

Another pioneer of El Monte coming to California in 1880 was David I. Ritter. Born in Herman, Missouri, December 19, 1845, he was the son of Florent and Nancy (Dickison) Ritter, farmers, who were of French birth. Mr. Ritter was educated in the local schools of his home community and remained at home with his

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of Timoteo Repetto of El Monte California

Few early residents of El Monte and vicinity can recall more vividly their experiences or more colorfully describe events and conditions of the pioneer days than can Timoteo Repetto, who was born January 24, 1866, within a stone’s throw of the site of the old original San Gabriel Mission (first known as Mission Vieja) and

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of George B. Renfro of El Monte California

The first public weighmaster in this district, is George B. Renfro, who for fifty years, has conducted a public weighing service at the same stand on West Valley Boulevard. Mr. Renfro was born on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, in a log cabin, about fifteen miles from St. Louis, October 9, 1843. He

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of William A. Reeves of El Monte California

As a well-known and highly respected rancher and dairyman, William A. Reeves, a native son of California, was also among the successful men of this community. He was born near el Monte, January 7, 1862, his parents, Samuel and Lydia (Cleminson) Reeves, being natives respectively of Kentucky and Missouri. They were the first Americans married

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of Dr. Elgar A. Reed of El Monte California

Honored and esteemed among the citizens of El Monte from the early nineties until his death in 1924, was Dr. Elgar A. Reed, prominent physician and public benefactor. Dr. Reed was born December 13, 1865, near Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of Garrett and Elizabeth (Waller) Reed, natives of Ohio. The father was a

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of Michael F. Quinn of El Monte California

Pleasantly remembered by many of El Monte citizens is the name of M.F. Quinn, who in the early days would frequently crowd a load of the town’s children into his spring wagon and proudly drive with them to a circus in Los Angeles, or on May Day would decorate the old lumber wagon with roses

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The Works Progress Administration

Biography of Joseph Prouty of El Monte California

Joseph Prouty was a successful pioneer, both as a prospector and rancher in the days of ’49, first near the spot where gold was first discovered in California, (Sutters Creek) and later as a rancher near El Monte. He was born February 9, 1831 near Mt. Vernon, Knox County, Ohio, his parents being Anson and Carol

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