The Works Progress Administration

Biography of G. H. Kallmeyer of El Monte California

G. H. Kallmeyer, farmer of this district since the eighties until his death in 1909, was born in Montgomery County, Missouri, August 27, 1840.  He was the son of John and Mary Kallmeyer, who were natives of Germany, coming to America in the early days and settling in Missouri.

G. H. Kallmeyer, in receiving his early education walked five miles each day to reach the country school of his home community.  Upon reaching his majority, Mr. Kallmeyer engaged in farming until in 1886, when he came to California.  He first stopped in Spadra, where he remained a few months, and then came to El Monte.  Here he purchased fifteen acres of land on what is now Monrovia Road, and engaged in general farming.  He later acquired and sold a tract of about forty acres east of town on the San Gabriel River.

In about 1865, Mr. Kallmeyer was married to Miss Sarah Jane Quick, a native of Missouri and daughter of Gilbert and Elizabeth Quick, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Missouri respectively.  To Mr. and Mrs. Kallmeyer were born eight children, five of whom are still living, namely:  Inez (Mrs. Jack Watson) of El Monte; Cornelius C., of El Monte; Camaliel, of El Monte; Theophilus, of Compton; and California, (Mrs. Grover Cleveland) of Pomona.  The mother died in 1935.

Mr. Kallmeyer was active in the operation of his ranch up to the date of his death, which occurred in 1909.  Politically he was a Democrat, while in matters of religion he was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church.

Source: C. D. Mayon, F. Brow, L. Stoddard, and C. Mudd; El Monte from the Pioneer Days. WPA Project No. N-5740, 1936. In record 19-187072. (California Historical Landmark No. 765: El Monte). On file at the SCCIC, CSU Fullerton.

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