Los Angeles County

Biographies

LEONIDAS BARNES

is the pioneer and one of the most prominent merchants of Monrovia. The first mercantile enterprise established in Monrovia was in June, 1886, when Mr. Barnes opened his store on the corner of Lemon and Myrtle avenues. He is the owner of the two-story building occupied in his business, which was erected in 1886. This building has a large and commodious hall in the second story, and two stores on the first floor, both of which are occupied by Mr. Barnes. His establishment is one of the best equipped general merchandise stores in the town. Mr. Barnes is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and is one of the men that have, by their
energetic business tact and support of public enterprises, rapidly built up the city. The subject of this sketch was born in Cooper County, Missouri, in 1839. His parents were Hawkins and Patsey (Calvert) Barnes. They were both natives of Kentucky, and both went to Missouri in their childhood, as early as 1810, their parents being among the earliest pioneers of the State. In 1848 Mr. Barnes's father moved to Pettis County, and was there engaged in farming and stock-raising. The subject of this sketch was reared and schooled in that county, and when nineteen years of age entered into mercantile life as a clerk. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Barnes decided to enter the Confederate States' service, and in June, 1861, enlisted in the Windsor Guards, a cavalry company that formed a part of the body guard of General Price. Mr. Barnes served with distinction and gallantry in the Confederate cavalry throughout the war. His services soon gained him recognition, and during the last three years of the war he served as a commissioned officer. He participated in most of the principal battles of the Southwest. At the close of the struggle he returned to Arkansas, and in 1867 to his old home in Pettis County, Missouri, and engaged in farming until about 1870. He then established a meat market at Windsor and Appleton City, and conducted the business until 1873. In that year he came to California and located at Downey, Los Angeles County, and for the next year was engaged in farming. In 1874 he moved to Duarte and established his residence upon a ten-acre tract which he improved and planted in oranges, etc. Mr. Barnes continued his horticultural pursuits until 1885. He then purchased the mercantile establishment of Frank Daniels at Duarte, and conducted that enterprise until he established his present business. His long residence in the county has made him well known and gained him many friends. In political affairs he is a stanch Democrat and a worker in the ranks of his party. He has served many times as a delegate in its county conventions, and as a member of the County Central Committee. He is a member of the Baptist church of Monrovia, and a liberal supporter of the same. He is a member of Windsor Lodge, No. 29, F. & A. M., of Windsor, Missouri, and also of Monrovia Lodge, No. 330, I. O. O. F. In 1865 Mr. Barnes was united in marriage with Miss Nancy C. McDonald, a native of Arkansas, and daughter of Morris and Susan (Logan) McDonald. Her father was a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have three children: Lida E., Samuel W. and Julia Lathrop.

An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California –  Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889   Page 706

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

JUAN BERNARD

was a native of Switzerland, being born at St. Marie, in the Canton of St. Tessin, August 20, 1824. When a young man he went to Algiers, Africa, in the campaign against Ab-del-Kader, where, for several years, he was a contractor under the French Government for the construction of roads, the furnishing of bricks, etc. Afterward he determined to come to California, being attracted hither by the gold discoveries. He came via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco in 1850. From there he went to the mines; and then, with a French colony, to Sonora, Mexico. Returning to California in 1852, he arrived in Los Angeles with Edward Nand Guiol and other Frenchmen, where he remained the rest of his life. He engaged for many years in brick-making, his extensive yards and home being on Buena Vista street, near the Roman Catholic cemetery. About twenty years ago he bought the Los Angeles Wine Growers' property on Alameda street, where he engaged extensively in the wine business. In 1866 he married Doña Susana Machado, daughter of Don Agustin and Doña Ramona (Sepúlveda) Machado. Señor Machado, who died some years ago, was one of the prominent citizens of Los Angeles in the olden times. His residence was on the site of the lot on the east side of Main street, lately purchased by the United States Government for a postoffice and United States Court building. Doña Ramona, universally known and respected by all the old residents, still lives at an advanced age with her sons and daughters at La Ballona. Mr. Bernard was one of the founders of the French Benevolent Society, and was at various times its treasurer. He was the owner of the Bernard Block, southwest corner of Main and First streets, which also includes the Natic Hotel. Latterly he had retired from active business, having leased his extensive warehouse, partly as a Government bonded warehouse, and also to private parties for the wine business, etc. Mr. Bernard spoke the French, English, Spanish, Italian and Turkish languages. He died of heart disease, January 27, 1889, aged sixty-four years, leaving a widow and nine children. He appointed Mrs. Bernard as executrix of his will and manager of his large estate.

An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California –  Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889   Page 707

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler