Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


JAMES B. BEARDSLEE 
 
is one of the well‑ known residents of the Azusa, and is the owner of twenty 
acres of rich and productive land, located a mile and a half southeast of the 
city of Azusa, which he has under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Beardslee 
took up his residence upon that place in 1876, and since that time has devoted 
himself to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. His land was then in its 
wild and uncultivated state, but with his characteristic energy he cleared it 
off and was one of the pioneers in planting citrus fruits and vines in that 
section. In 1877 he set out five acres in seedling oranges, which, at a later 
date, in 1882, he budded with Washington Navels and other varieties, and has 
succeeded in producing some of the finest fruit grown in that section. He also, 
for many years previous to 1888, cultivated twelve acres of wine grapes. This 
land he is now preparing for citrus fruit trees, a fine stock of which he has in 
his nursery. He has also on his place a fine family orchard of deciduous fruits, 
comprising a large variety of the most approved fruits grown in the Azusa. He is 
also the owner of a ten-acre tract, situated just southwest of his home farm, 
which is devoted to hay and grain. Such stock as Mr. Beardslee keeps is of the 
best. His cattle are of the Jersey and Durham breed, and his horses of Norman 
stock. Mr. Beardslee was born in Bates County, Missouri, in 1843. His parents 
were Dr. Nehemiah Beardslee  and nee Elvira Anderson. Dr. Beardslee was a 
pioneer of Missouri. In 1845 he moved his family to Texas, and in 1848 located 
in Bell County. He was largely engaged in farming and stock-raising in addition 
to the practice of his profession. In 185 the Doctor came to California and 
spent four years in the  mining districts. In 1856 he returned to Texas and 
brought his family to California. Upon his arrival in the State he located at El 
Monte, Los Angeles County, and there engaged in farming until 1860. In that year 
he bought the well-known Beardslee tract at the Duarte and was there engaged in 
agricultural and horticultural pursuits until 1884, when he moved to Los Neitas. 
His death occurred at that place in January, 1887. The Doctor was widely known, 
and was one of the prominent and pioneer agriculturists of the county. He was a 
man universally respected and esteemed in whatever community he resided. The 
seven children of the Beardslee family are as follows: David, of Los Angeles; 
Obed H., of Kern County; Ephraim, of San Bernardino County; William. of San 
Diego County; James B., the subject of this sketch; California E., the wife of 
William Chappelow, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; and Laura, who 
married Richard Poor, a resident of the Duarte. James B. Beardslee was reared in 
his father's family and early in life was schooled in the practical knowledge of 
agricultural and horticultural pursuits. His education was obtained in the 
public schools of Los Angeles County, and later at the Sotoyome Institute at 
Healdsburg, Sonoma County. He remained with his parents until 1876 when he 
purchased his present residence. In 1868 Mr. Beardslee married Miss Isabella 
Smith, the daughter of Jasper and Tennessee (Burks) Smith, natives of Tennessee. 
She was born in Los Angeles County. Her father was a well-known resident of 
Southern California. He died January 25, 1889; her mother is now a resident of 
Kern County. Mr. Beardslee has been closely identified with the wonderful growth 
and development of the section in which he resides, and as a successful 
horticulturist has
shown what intelligent care and cultivation will produce in his favored 
location. He is an intelligent and thorough farmer, progressive in his views, 
and ever ready to aid in any enterprise that will add to the resources of his 
section. In political matters he is Democratic, and a strong supporter of 
schools and churches. His family are members of the Methodist Church, South. He 
is a stockholder in the Covina Water Company. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Beardslee there are the following named children: Cora Daisy, Annie Laura, James 
Louis, David Arthur, Edna Belle and Alvis Rexford, all members of their parents' 
household.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 405
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler