Los Angeles County
Biographies
LOUIS BROSSEAU.
The subject of this sketch was born in Canada, in 1834. His parents, Louis and Margaret (De St. Marie) Brosseau, were both natives of Canada, and descendants of the early French colonists. Mr. Brosseau was reared as a farmer until the age of sixteen years. He then started in life for himself; his first move being to the United States. In 1850 he went to Michigan and was engaged in mining in the copper mines on Lake Superior. In December, 1853, he came by the Panama route to California. Upon his arrival he engaged in prospecting and mining in El Dorado and other counties until 1860, locating the Monumental mine in Sierra County, and others. The excitement over the Nevada mines in that year caused him to make a venture in that Territory. He went to Gold Hill, Nevada, and located several mines, among which was the famous Yellow Jacket. Returning to California in 1861, he established a store at French Town, El Dorado County, and also engaged in horticultural pursuits, planting vineyards and fruit trees. He continued his enterprises in that county until 1872, and then located in Round Valley, in Mendocino County, where he engaged in the live-stock business, and also in teaming and freighting Government stores. In 1876 Mr. Brosseau came to Los Angeles County and established his residence in San Jose Valley, about two miles north of what is now the prosperous city of Pomona. His principal occupation was fruit culture. Mr. Brosseau early saw the possibilities of a thriving town springing up at Pomona, and in 1881 purchased lots, upon one of which he built the well-known Pomona Hotel, located on Main street, south of Second street. This hotel was opened to the public by him December 25, 1881, and was the only hotel in town at that time. The next year he built the Pomona livery stables on Second street, and was identified with other building enterprises in the rapidly growing town. In 1883 he sold his hotel to Morris Kellar, but still retained his stables, which he had enlarged and well stocked. Mr. Brosseau conducted his livery stable until 1886, and then sold his stock, retaining the ownership of the buildings and lots. Since that time he has devoted his attention to the care and improvement of his business and residence property in the city. He is also the owner of farm land near the city. in 1883 Mr. Brosseau married Miss Emma Fry, a native of Ohio. He is a consistent Catholic in religion. In political matters he is a straightforward Republican. He is a reputable and respected citizen, whose success in life is the result of his own labors, combined with his intelligent foresight in business matters.
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California – Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 712
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
A. T. BELL,
manufacturer of and dealer in harness, saddlery, whips, etc., corner of Hill and Eleventh streets, Los Angeles, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1825. His parents, John and Mary (Miller) Bell, were natives of the same county. His grandfather laid out the town of Hickory, and owned the greatest gas-producing farm in the oil regions. The subject of this sketch grew up and learned his trade in Massillon. He came to California and settled in Los Angeles in 1871, worked at his trade several years, and then engaged in business for himself on Main street. The residents here were mostly Mexicans at that time. He conducted his business on Main street fifteen years and then removed to his present location, on his own property. He is one of the oldest in his line of business, and has a very desirable established trade. Mr. Bell has been twice married. His first wife was Lydia Groff, of Ohio, who died leaving four children, all of whom are now living, namely: Margaret, now Mrs. Macy, living here; Mary, now Mrs. Hampton, residing in Arizona; Lida Belle and James H., both living in this city. Mr. Bell's present wife was M. A. McDowell, a native of Kentncky. They have one son, Arthur T.
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California – Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 713
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
JAMES F. BURNS,
Chief of Police of the city of Los Angeles, was born in Ontario County, New York, September 27, 1831. His parents moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and during his early boyhood he attended school there; was educated for a teacher, and after reaching manhood engaged in that profession. He decided to come to California, and came overland with a train. They had some trouble with the Indians in Utah, near the place where the famous Mountain Meadow massacre occurred, and arrived in California in November. The same year Mr. Burns came to Los Angeles and engaged in teaching school for several years, after which he was elected county superintendent of schools. In 1858 he was appointed United States Marshal, under President Buchanan. He was elected city treasurer in 1863, and was re-elected, holding the office for five years. In 1867 he was elected sheriff of Los Angeles County and ex-officio tax collector, holding that office by reelection until 1872. From that time until 1878 Mr. Burns was interested in real estate, and was connected with various other enterprises. In the latter year he went to Fremont, Nebraska, and engaged in the grain and lumber business. In the fall of 1880 he was elected State Senator for the Eighth Senatorial District. He was also engaged in the banking business four years, until the fall of 1886. At that time he returned to Los Angeles and became interested in real‑estate transactions. In March, 1889, he was appointed chief of police. Officer Burns has had a large experience as a public official, and few are so well qualified to perform the duties of the position he now holds. During his term of office as sheriff the record shows a larger apprehension of criminals than in any other term.
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California – Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 713
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler